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At least 487 records · Page 27

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NASA NTRS1990

Electrooptic modulation methods for high sensitivity tunable diode laser spectroscopy

A CdTe phase modulator and low power RF sources have been used with Pb-salt tunable diode lasers operating near 8 microns to generate optical sidebands for high sensitivity absorption spectroscopy. Sweep averaged, first-derivative sample spectra of CH4 were acquired by wideband phase sensitive detection of the electrooptically (EO) generated carrier-sideband beat signal. EO generated beat signals were also used to frequency lock the TDL to spectral lines. This eliminates low frequency diode jitter, and avoids the excess laser linewidth broadening that accompanies TDL current modulation frequency locking methods.

Glenar, David A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

NASA programs in advanced sensors and measurement technology for aeronautical applications

NASA involvement in the development, implementation, and experimental use of advanced aeronautical sensors and measurement technologies is presently discussed within the framework of specific NASA research centers' activities. The technology thrusts are in the fields of high temperature strain gages and microphones, laser light-sheet flow visualization, LTA, LDV, and LDA, tunable laser-based aviation meteorology, and fiber-optic CARS measurements. IR thermography and close-range photogrammetry are undergoing substantial updating and application. It is expected that 'smart' sensors will be increasingly widely used, especially in conjunction with smart structures in aircraft and spacecraft.

Conway, Bruce A.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Materials Using Distributed Fiber Bragg Sensors

Health monitoring of polymer matrix composite materials using fiber optic Bragg grating (FBG) sensors is accomplished using a tunable IR (infrared) laser via transmission mode. Results are presented from experiments of composite structures with FBG's embedded at various orientations, and surface measurements of various cryogenic composite vessels.

Grant, Joseph↗

DOE OSTI2026

Intermediate Bandgap (IB) Cu 3 VS x Se 4−x Nanocrystals as a New Class of Light Absorbing Semiconductors

A new family of highly uniform, cubic-shaped Cu 3 VS x Se 4−x (CVSSe; 0 ≤ x ≤ 4) nanocrystals based on earth-abundant materials with intermediate bandgaps (IB) in the visible range is reported, synthesized via a hot-injection method. The IB transitions and optical band gap of the novel CVSSe nanocrystals are investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, revealing tunable band gaps that span the visible and near-infrared regimes. The composition-dependent relationships among the crystal phase, optical band gap, and photoluminescence properties of the novel IB semiconductors with progressive substitution of Se by S are examined in detail. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterization confirm the high crystallinity and uniform size (~19.7 nm × 17.2 nm for Cu 3 VS 4 ) of the cubic-shaped nanocrystals. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations based on virtual crystal approximation support the experimental findings, showing good agreement in lattice parameters and band gaps across the CVSSe series and lending confidence that the targeted phases and compositions have been successfully realized. A current conversion efficiency, i.e., incident photon-to-current efficiency, of 14.7% was achieved with the p-type IB semiconductor Cu 3 VS 4 . These novel p-type IB semiconductor nanocrystals hold promise for enabling thin film solar cells with efficiencies beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit by allowing sub-band-gap photon absorption through intermediate-band transitions, in addition to the conventional direct-band-gap transition.

Cu3VSxSe4−x↗

DOE OSTI2023

Laser heating of ferroelectric cubes for tunable electromagnetic properties in metamaterials

In this experimental study, we demonstrate the feasibility of a thermally tunable, resonant dielectric microwave metasurface based on sub-wavelength Mie resonances of ferroelectric dielectric cubes (Calcium titanate, CaTiO 3 ) in which the temperature of the meta-atoms can be locally and dynamically controlled by heating with an optical laser beam over a large range of temperatures and, consequently, values of the dielectric constant of the cube and corresponding resonance frequency of the meta-atoms. Further, this avoids any interference of otherwise necessary heating elements or power supply wires with the propagation of the microwave signal and can be made spatially addressable. The concept scales at least to the THz domain. This contactless approach opens up an alternative avenue to tunability and active control of metamaterials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Giant terahertz polarization rotation in ultrathin films of aligned carbon nanotubes

For easy manipulation of polarization states of light for applications in communications, imaging, and information processing, an efficient mechanism is desired for rotating light polarization with a minimum interaction length. Here, we report giant polarization rotations for terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves in ultrathin ( ∼ <#comment/> 45 n m ), high-density films of aligned carbon nanotubes. We observed polarization rotations of up to ∼ <#comment/> 20 ∘ <#comment/> and ∼ <#comment/> 110 ∘ <#comment/> for transmitted and reflected THz pulses, respectively. The amount of polarization rotation was a sensitive function of the angle between the incident THz polarization and the nanotube alignment direction, exhibiting a “magic” angle at which the total rotation through transmission and reflection becomes exactly 90°. Our model quantitatively explains these giant rotations as a result of extremely anisotropic optical constants, demonstrating that aligned carbon nanotubes promise ultrathin, broadband, and tunable THz polarization devices.

Baydin, Andrey (ORCID:0000000225673506)↗

DOE OSTI2020

Geometrically Tunable Beamed Light Emission from a Quantum‐Dot Ensemble Near a Gradient Metasurface

Abstract Optical metasurfaces have been widely investigated in recent years as a means to tailor the wavefronts of externally incident light for passive device applications. At the same time, their use in active optoelectronic devices such as light emitters is far less established. This work explores their ability to control the radiation properties of a nearby continuous ensemble of randomly oriented incoherent dipole sources via near‐field interactions. Specifically, a film of colloidal quantum dots is deposited on a plasmonic metasurface consisting of a 1D array of metallic nanoantennas on a metal film. The array is designed to introduce a linear phase profile upon reflection, and a bi‐periodic nanoparticle arrangement is introduced to ensure adequate sampling of the desired phase gradient. Highly directional radiation patterns are correspondingly obtained from the quantum dots at an enhanced emission rate. The underlying radiation mechanism involves the near‐field excitation of surface plasmon polaritons at the metal film, and their selective diffractive scattering by the metasurface into well‐collimated beams along predetermined geometrically tunable directions. These results underscore the distinctive ability of metasurfaces to control radiation properties directly at the source level, which is technologically significant for the continued miniaturization and large‐scale integration of optoelectronic devices.

Wang, Xiaowei↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Phase-change Reconfigurable Optical WavEfront Synthesis System (PROWESS)

We report the design, fabrication, and testing of electrically tunable metasurface k-space filters based on the low-loss, high-contrast phase-change material GSST and a transparent Si electrode heating architecture. A 10x10 array of PCM elements integrated with Si heaters was fabricated via foundry processes, and used to actively control the crystallinity of a metasurface consisting of GSST nano antennae. By selectively varying the structural state of individual PCM elements, specific k-vectors of transmitted light can effectively be filtered out, resulting in improved imaging quality by reducing the scattered light that reaches a detector. Optimized doping profiles in the Si heaters allow for uniform, low power, reliable and repeatable switching of the GSST state. Compared to other k-space filters, this new architecture is completely transparent to the wavelength of interest and can be actively reconfigured in real time with high performance, low power consumption and a small footprint. The 10x10 array device is a proof-of-concept demonstration that can enable high-resolution arbitrary wavefront synthesis and correction in the future, with key applications in optical communications, beam steering, remote sensing, and adaptive optics.

phase change material↗

DOE OSTI2021

Colloidal quantum dot lasers

We report semiconductor nanocrystals represent a promising class of solution-processable optical-gain media that can be manipulated via inexpensive, easily scalable colloidal techniques. Due to their extremely small sizes (typically <10 nm), their properties can be directly controlled via effects of quantum confinement; therefore, they are often termed colloidal quantum dots (CQDs). In addition to size-tunable emission wavelengths, CQDs offer other benefits for lasing applications, including low optical-gain thresholds and high temperature stability of lasing characteristics. Recent progress in understanding and practical control of processes impeding light amplification in CQDs has resulted in several breakthroughs, including the demonstration of optically pumped continuous-wave lasing, the realization of optical gain with direct current electrical injection and the development of dual-function electroluminescent devices that also operate as optically pumped lasers. The purpose of this Review is to assess the status of the field of CQD lasing and discuss the existing challenges and opportunities. A particular focus is on approaches for suppressing nonradiative Auger recombination, novel optical-gain concepts enabled by strong exciton-exciton interactions and controlled CQD charging, effects of nanocrystal form factors on light amplification and practical architectures for realizing electrically pumped CQD lasers. This overview suggests that the accumulated knowledge, along with the approaches developed for manipulating the optical-gain properties of colloidal nanostructures, perfectly position the CQD field for successfully addressing a long-standing challenge: the realization of CQD-based laser diodes. Colloidal quantum dots are promising materials for realizing versatile, wavelength-tunable, solution-processed lasers. This Review surveys recent advances in colloidal quantum dot lasing, provides an in-depth analysis of outstanding challenges and discusses a path forward to implementing technologically viable lasing devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Optical recognition of constructs using hyperspectral imaging and detection (ORCHID)

Abstract Challenges to deep sample imaging have necessitated the development of special techniques such as spatially offset optical spectroscopy to collect signals that have travelled through several layers of tissue. However, these techniques provide only spectral information in one dimension (i.e., depth). Here, we describe a general and practical method, referred to as Optical Recognition of Constructs Using Hyperspectral Imaging and Detection (ORCHID). The sensing strategy integrates (1) the spatial offset detection concept by computationally binning 2D optical data associated with digital offsets based on selected radial pixel distances from the excitation source; (2) hyperspectral imaging using tunable filter; and (3) digital image binding and collation. ORCHID is a versatile modality that is designed to collect optical signals deep inside samples across three spatial (X, Y, Z) as well as spectral dimensions. The ORCHID method is applicable to various optical techniques that exhibit narrow-band structures, from Raman scattering to quantum dot luminescence. Samples containing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active gold nanostar probes and quantum dots embedded in gel were used to show a proof of principle for the ORCHID concept. The resulting hyperspectral data cube is shown to spatially locate target emitting nanoparticle volumes and provide spectral information for in-depth 3D imaging.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2020

Transient Second-Order Nonlinear Media: Breaking the Spatial Symmetry in the Time Domain via Hot-Electron Transfer

Second-order optical effects are essential to the active control of light and the generation of new spectral components. The inversion symmetry, however, prevents achieving a bulk $χ^{(2)}$ response, limiting the portfolio of the second-order nonlinear materials. Here, we demonstrate subpicosecond conversion of a statically passive dielectric to a transient second-order nonlinear medium upon the ultrafast transfer of hot electrons. Induced by an optical switching signal, the amorphous dielectric with vanishing intrinsic $χ^{(2)}$ develops dynamically tunable second-order nonlinear responses. By taking the second-harmonic generation as an example, we show that breaking the inversion symmetry through hot-electron dynamics can be leveraged to address the critical need for all-optical control of second-order nonlinearities in nanophotonics. We report our approach can be generically adopted in a variety of material and device platforms, offering a new class of complex nonlinear media with promising potentials for all-optical information processing.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

NASA NTRS2013

Optical Filter Assembly for Interplanetary Optical Communications

Ground-based, narrow-band, high throughput optical filters are required for optical links from deep space. We report on the development of a tunable filter assembly that operates at telecommunication window of 1550 nanometers. Low insertion loss of 0.5 decibels and bandwidth of 90 picometers over a 2000 nanometers operational range of detectors has been achieved.

optical filters↗

DOE OSTI2025

Unconventional Spintronics from Chiral Perovskites

Spintronic devices typically employ heterostructures with ferromagnets which break time-reversal symmetry and have non-vanishing magnetization. With the growing class of materials that support spin-polarized carriers, current, and excitations, it is possible to envision emerging spintronic applications that are not limited to magnetoresistance. Here, chiral perovskites with no net magnetization are considered, where the space-inversion and mirror symmetries are broken to induce chiral structure. The known importance of these perovskites is further expanded by the demonstration of the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS). However, the generation of the spin-polarized carriers across the interface with these chiral perovskites remains to be fully understood. These first-principles studies for 2D PbBr4-based chiral perovskites provide their electronic structure and an orbital-based symmetry analysis, which allows to establish an effective Hamiltonian to elucidate the underlying origin of their chirality. The same analysis is used for the Edelstein effect, responsible for electrical generation of the nonequilibrium spin polarization in many materials, which in chiral perovskites can be a mechanism contributing to CISS. Furthermore, by examining optical properties of chiral perovskites and the opportunity to use them to realize tunable altermagnets, another class of zero-magnetization spintronic materials, a versatile materials platform is put forth for unconventional spintronics.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS2004

Scanning Tunneling Optical Resonance Microscopy Developed

The ability to determine the in situ optoelectronic properties of semiconductor materials has become especially important as the size of device architectures has decreased and the development of complex microsystems has increased. Scanning Tunneling Optical Resonance Microscopy, or STORM, can interrogate the optical bandgap as a function of its position within a semiconductor micro-structure. This technique uses a tunable solidstate titanium-sapphire laser whose output is "chopped" using a spatial light modulator and is coupled by a fiber-optic connector to a scanning tunneling microscope in order to illuminate the tip-sample junction. The photoenhanced portion of the tunneling current is spectroscopically measured using a lock-in technique. The capabilities of this technique were verified using semiconductor microstructure calibration standards that were grown by organometallic vapor-phase epitaxy. Bandgaps characterized by STORM measurements were found to be in good agreement with the bulk values determined by transmission spectroscopy and photoluminescence and with the theoretical values that were based on x-ray diffraction results.

Bailey, Sheila G.↗

DOE OSTI2025

Nonlinear optics in 2D materials: From classical to quantum

Nonlinear optics has long been a cornerstone of modern photonics, enabling a wide array of technologies, from frequency conversion to the generation of ultrafast light pulses. Recent breakthroughs in two-dimensional (2D) materials have opened a frontier in this field, offering new opportunities for both classical and quantum nonlinear optics. These atomically thin materials exhibit strong light–matter interactions and large nonlinear responses, thanks to their tunable lattice symmetries, strong resonance effects, and highly engineerable band structures. In this paper, we explore the potential that 2D materials bring to nonlinear optics, covering topics from classical nonlinear optics to nonlinearities at the few-photon level. We delve into how these materials enable possibilities, such as symmetry control, phase matching, and integration into photonic circuits. The fusion of 2D materials with nonlinear optics provides insights into the fundamental behaviors of elementary excitations—such as electrons, excitons, and photons—in low-dimensional systems and has the potential to transform the landscape of next-generation photonic and quantum technologies.

2D materials↗

DOE OSTI2022

Portable diagnostic package for Thomson scattering and optical emission spectroscopy on Princeton field-reversed configuration 2 (PFRC 2)

An Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy funded diagnostic system has been deployed to the Princeton field-reversed configuration 2 (PFRC-2) device, located at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. The Portable Diagnostic Package (PDP), designed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, allows for the measurement of Thomson Scattering (TS) for electron density and temperature and Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) for ion temperature, impurity density, and ion velocity. A tunable spectrometer on the PDP with three gratings provides the flexibility to measure low (1 eV) and high (1000 eV) electron temperature ranges from TS. Additionally, using a second spectrometer, the OES diagnostic can survey light emission from various ion excitation levels for wide wavelength ranges. The electron density (<2 × 10 19 m –3 ) of plasmas generated in PFRC-2 has been below the PDP TS discrimination threshold, which has made TS signal detection challenging against a high-background of laser stray light. The laser stray light was iteratively reduced by making modifications to the entrance and exit geometry on PFRC-2. Rayleigh scattering experiments on PFRC have yielded the TS discrimination sensitivity to be >1 × 10 20 m –3 for the PDP. A recently implemented narrow-band notch spectral filter that masks the second harmonic 532 nm Nd:YAG laser wavelength has increased the system’s TS light discrimination sensitivity 65 times compared to the instance when the notch filter was not implemented. The hardware implementation including design changes to the flight tubes and Brewster windows will be discussed, along with results from Rayleigh and rotational Raman scattering sensitivity analyses, which were used to establish a quantitative figure of merit on the system performance. Further, the Raman scattering calibration with the notch filter has improved the PDP electron density threshold to 1 ± 0.5 × 10 18 m –3 .

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2026

Toward Fully Soft and Multifunctional Shape Sensing via Optical Waveguide Arrays

For soft bodies, surface deformation and pressure provide proprioceptive and exteroceptive information, including body configuration, body compliance, and external forces. We develop a sheet sensor with a fully soft sensing surface that provides surface shape reconstruction using optical waveguide arrays. The waveguides are fabricated to achieve a tunable linear response to bi‐directional bending curvature, and the waveguide arrays are configured to differentiate between ambiguous shapes. We characterize the waveguide performance, relating curvature sensitivity to the core's surface roughness. Synergy of waveguide responses reduces the number of sensing elements required and achieves damage resilience. Using waveguide sensitivity to pressure, we also demonstrate feasibility for exteroception. We demonstrate the multifunctional sensing capability by wrapping the sheet around an upper arm, showcasing joint motion and external force sensing. Integrated into or applied onto surfaces of robotic or living systems, this design can be implemented in applications such as virtual reality, teleoperation, physical therapy, and soft robotics.

Yu, Qifan [Department of Mechanical Engineering Ma↗

DOE OSTI2025

Designs for scalable construction of hybrid quantum photonic cavities

Nanophotonic resonators are central to numerous applications, from efficient spin–photon interfaces to laser oscillators and precision sensing. A leading approach consists of photonic crystal (PhC) cavities, which have been realized in a wide range of dielectric materials. However, translating proof-of-concept devices into a functional system entails a number of additional challenges, inspiring new approaches that combine resonators with wavelength-scale confinement and high quality factors; scalable integration with integrated circuits and photonic circuits; electrical or mechanical cavity tuning; and, in many cases, a need for heterogeneous integration with functional materials such as III–V semiconductors or diamond color centers for spin–photon interfaces. Here we introduce a concept that generates a finely tunable PhC cavity at a selected wavelength between two heterogeneous optical materials whose properties satisfy the above requirements. The cavity is formed by stamping a hard-to-process material with simple waveguide geometries on top of an easy-to-process material consisting of dielectric grating mirrors and active tuning capability. We simulate our concept for the particularly challenging design problem of multiplexed quantum repeaters based on arrays of cavity-coupled diamond color centers, achieving theoretically calculated unloaded quality factors of 106, mode volumes as small as 1.2(λ/neff)3, and maintaining >60% total on-chip collection efficiency of fluorescent photons. We further introduce a method of low-power piezoelectric tuning of these hybrid diamond cavities, simulating optical resonance shifts up to ∼760 GHz and color center fluorescence tuning of 5 GHz independent of cavity tuning. These results will motivate integrated photonic cavities toward larger scale systems-compatible designs.

Greenspon, Andrew S. (ORCID:0000000296317568)↗