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At least 73 records · Page 4

Optical Processing With Photorefractive Semiconductors

Experimental phase-conjugate four-wave-mixing apparatus used to demonstrate capabilities of GaAs (and potentially of other photorefractive semiconductors like InP and CdTe) for optical processing of information. With modifications, performs any of three basic image-processing functions: transfer to different light beam, enhancement of edges, and autocorrelation. Includes crystal of GaAs of 5 by 9 by 9 mm with cubic crystalline axes. Advantages include high speed and compatibilty with other semiconductor devices.

Cheng, Li-Jen↗

Study of nonlinear optical sBs phenomena in mid IR fibers

This is the first reported attempt at investigation of the sBs phenomena in mid IR fibers using externally fed or laser self generated low frequency and microwave frequency phonon waves as diagnostic probes of such processes. The observation of laser excited phonon emissions in the mid IR fiber and direct modulation of CO2 laser pulse transmission by externally imposed low frequency radiation is the first indication of the predicted low sBs threshold in these fibers in the phonon rich mid IR spectral region. The prospect of wide applications of the sBs process in optical switching, phase conjugation and ultimately optical computing and possible deleterious effects in mid IR laser heterodyne spectroscopy, sideband modulation and transmitted power limitation is discussed.

Yu, Chung↗

Growth and characterization of high-performance photorefractive BaTiO3 crystals

Barium titanate has been used for many nonlinear optical applications primarily because it has high grain and high self-pumped phase conjugate reflectivities. However, barium titanate has had a relatively slow response time, and thus low sensitivity. Therefore, it has not been suited to real-time operations. In this report we will describe the modifications in crystal growth, doping, reduction, and poling that have produced barium titanate crystals with the fastest photorefractive response time reported to date, approximately 21 microseconds with a beam-coupling gain coefficient of 38.7 cm(exp -1) and the highest sensitivity reported to date of 3.44 cm(exp 3)/kJ. The sensitivity of these barium titanate crystals is comparable to or greater than other photorefractive oxides. We will show, for the first time, beam-coupling in barium titanate at video frame rates. We infer from response time measurements that barium titanate has a phonon limited mobility. Also, photorefractive response time measurements as a function of the crystallographic orientation and grating wave vector for our cobalt-doped oxygen reduced crystals indicate that their faster response time arise because of an increase in the free carrier lifetime.

Warde, C.↗

Going through a quantum phase

Phase measurements on a single-mode radiation field are examined from a system-theoretic viewpoint. Quantum estimation theory is used to establish the primacy of the Susskind-Glogower (SG) phase operator; its phase eigenkets generate the probability operator measure (POM) for maximum likelihood phase estimation. A commuting observables description for the SG-POM on a signal x apparatus state space is derived. It is analogous to the signal-band x image-band formulation for optical heterodyne detection. Because heterodyning realizes the annihilation operator POM, this analogy may help realize the SG-POM. The wave function representation associated with the SG POM is then used to prove the duality between the phase measurement and the number operator measurement, from which a number-phase uncertainty principle is obtained, via Fourier theory, without recourse to linearization. Fourier theory is also employed to establish the principle of number-ket causality, leading to a Paley-Wiener condition that must be satisfied by the phase-measurement probability density function (PDF) for a single-mode field in an arbitrary quantum state. Finally, a two-mode phase measurement is shown to afford phase-conjugate quantum communication at zero error probability with finite average photon number. Application of this construct to interferometric precision measurements is briefly discussed.

Shapiro, Jeffrey H.↗

An ultra-sensitive coherent detector capable of single photon detection for lidar applications

The properties of Ultra-Sensitive Coherent Detectors (USCD's) are nearly that of an ideal detector for lidar applications. Recent progress in the development of USCD's is briefly reviewed, and its imaging capability is demonstrated. These new detectors possess properties with significant improvements over conventional technology. These improvements include a high quantum efficiency of 0.95, gain in excess of 10 exp 13, a narrow bandwidth of 180-300 MHz at 1 micron, imaging capability, and phase conjugation ability. We have constructed a USCD using two Nd:YAG laser amplifiers and a four-wave Brillouin mirror (FWBM) using SnCl4 as the Brillouin medium. Using a 10 Hz repetitively-pulsed single frequency laser, we have shown that the Brillouin medium is free from thermal blooming and from optical breakdown.

Amimoto, Sherwin↗

Synthesizing Diacetylenes With Nonlinear Optical Properties

Diacetylene compounds being investigated to determine whether they have nonlinear optical properties making them useful for four-wave mixing, generation of third harmonics, phase conjugation, and like. Diacetylene monomers synthesized by sequences of chemical reactions. Monomers polymerized by ultraviolet light, forming potentially useful nonlinear optical materials.

Mcmanus, Samuel P.↗

Films Containing Optically Nonlinear Diacetylene Monomer

Solid films exhibiting nonlinear optical properties prepared as mixtures of poly(methyl methacrylate) with various amounts of diacetylene monomer called "compound 1" in article, "Synthesizing Diacetylenes With Nonlinear Optical Properties" (MFS-26186). Useful as phase-conjugate mirrors in laser-beam communications and as optical switches in optical computers. This particular diacetylene monomer exhibits strong third-order nonlinear optical properties, both in pure form and in solution.

Paley, Mark S.↗

Holographic enhanced remote sensing system

The Holographic Enhanced Remote Sensing System (HERSS) consists of three primary subsystems: (1) an Image Acquisition System (IAS); (2) a Digital Image Processing System (DIPS); and (3) a Holographic Generation System (HGS) which multiply exposes a thermoplastic recording medium with sequential 2-D depth slices that are displayed on a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM). Full-parallax holograms were successfully generated by superimposing SLM images onto the thermoplastic and photopolymer. An improved HGS configuration utilizes the phase conjugate recording configuration, the 3-SLM-stacking technique, and the photopolymer. The holographic volume size is currently limited to the physical size of the SLM. A larger-format SLM is necessary to meet the desired 6 inch holographic volume. A photopolymer with an increased photospeed is required to ultimately meet a display update rate of less than 30 seconds. It is projected that the latter two technology developments will occur in the near future. While the IAS and DIPS subsystems were unable to meet NASA goals, an alternative technology is now available to perform the IAS/DIPS functions. Specifically, a laser range scanner can be utilized to build the HGS numerical database of the objects at the remote work site.

Iavecchia, Helene P.↗

Synthesis, vapor growth, polymerization, and characterization of thin films of novel diacetylene derivatives of pyrrole. The use of computer modeling to predict chemical and optical properties of these diacetylenes and poly(diacetylenes)

In the present work two diacetylene derivatives of pyrrole which are predicted by semiempirical AM1 calculations to have very different properties, are synthesized; the polymerizability of these diacetylenes in the solid state is determined, and the results are compared to the computer predictions. Diacetylene 1 is novel in that the monomer is a liquid at room temperature; this may allow for the possibility of polymerization in the liquid state as well as the solid state. Thin poly(diacetylene) films are obtained from compound 1 by growing films of the monomer using vapor deposition and polymerizing with UV light; these films are then characterized. Interestingly, while the poly(diacetylene) from 1 does not possess good nonlinear optical properties, the monomer exhibits very good third-order effects (phase conjugation) in solution. Dilute acetone solutions of the monomer 1 give intensity-dependent refractive indices on the order of 10 exp -6 esu; these are 10 exp 6 times better than for CS2.

Paley, M. S.↗

Programmable Iterative Optical Image And Data Processing

Proposed method of iterative optical image and data processing overcomes limitations imposed by loss of optical power after repeated passes through many optical elements - especially, beam splitters. Involves selective, timed combination of optical wavefront phase conjugation and amplification to regenerate images in real time to compensate for losses in optical iteration loops; timing such that amplification turned on to regenerate desired image, then turned off so as not to regenerate other, undesired images or spurious light propagating through loops from unwanted reflections.

Jackson, Deborah J.↗

Analysis of the DFP/AFCS Systems for Compensating Gravity Distortions on the 70-Meter Antenna

This paper presents the theoretical computations showing the expected performances for both systems. The basic analysis tool is a Physical Optics reflector analysis code that was ported to a parallel computer for faster execution times. There are several steps involved in computing the RF performance of the various systems. 1 . A model of the RF distortions of the main reflector is required. This model is based upon measured holography maps of the 70-meter antenna obtained at 3 elevation angles. The holography maps are then processed (using an appropriate gravity mechanical model of the dish) to provide surface distortion maps at all elevation angles. 2. From the surface distortion maps, ray optics is used to determine the theoretical shape of the DFP that will exactly phase compensate the distortions. 3. From the theoretical shape and a NASTRAN mechanical model of the plate, the actuator positions that generate a surface that provides the best RMS fit to the theoretical model are selected. Using the actuator positions and the NASTRAN model provides an accurate description of the actual mirror shape. 4. Starting from the mechanical drawings of the feed, a computed RF feed pattern is generated. This pattern is expanded into a set of spherical wave modes so that a complete near field analysis of the reflector system can be obtained. 5. For the array feed, the excitation coefficients that provide the maximum gain are computed using a phase conjugate technique. The basic experimental geometry consisted of a dual shaped 70-meter antenna system; a refocusing ellipse, a DFP and an array feed system. To provide physical insight to the systems performance, focal plane field plots are presented at several elevations. Curves of predicted performance are shown for the DFP system, monopulse tracking system, AFCS and combined DFP/AFCS system. The calculated results show that the combined DFP/AFCS system is capable of recovering the majority of the gain lost due to gravity distortion.

Imbriale, William A.↗

Aerodynamic Measurement Technology

Ohio State University developed a new spectrally filtered light-scattering apparatus based on a diode laser injected-locked titanium: sapphire laser and rubidium vapor filter at 780.2 nm. When the device was combined with a stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirror, the realizable peak attenuation of elastic scattering interferences exceeded 105. The potential of the system was demonstrated by performing Thomson scattering measurements. Under USAF-NASA funding, West Virginia University developed a Doppler global velocimetry system using inexpensive 8-bit charged coupled device cameras and digitizers and a CW argon ion laser. It has demonstrated a precision of +/- 2.5 m/sec in a swirling jet flow. Low-noise silicon-micromachined microphones developed and incorporated in a novel two-tier, hybrid packaging scheme at the University of Florida used printed circuit board technology to realize a MEMS-based directional acoustic array. The array demonstrated excellent performance relative to conventional sensor technologies and provides scaling technologies that can reduce cost and increase speed and mobility.

Burner, Alpheus W.↗

Parallel Information Processing (Image Transmission Via Fiber Bundle and Multimode Fiber

Growing demand for visual, user-friendly representation of information inspires search for the new methods of image transmission. Currently used in-series (sequential) methods of information processing are inherently slow and are designed mainly for transmission of one or two dimensional arrays of data. Conventional transmission of data by fibers requires many fibers with array of laser diodes and photodetectors. In practice, fiber bundles are also used for transmission of images. Image is formed on the fiber-optic bundle entrance surface and each fiber transmits the incident image to the exit surface. Since the fibers do not preserve phase, only 2D intensity distribution can be transmitted in this way. Each single mode fiber transmit only one pixel of an image. Multimode fibers may be also used, so that each mode represent different pixel element. Direct transmission of image through multimode fiber is hindered by the mode scrambling and phase randomization. To overcome these obstacles wavelength and time-division multiplexing have been used, with each pixel transmitted on a separate wavelength or time interval. Phase-conjugate techniques also was tested in, but only in the unpractical scheme when reconstructed image return back to the fiber input end. Another method of three-dimensional imaging over single mode fibers was demonstrated in, using laser light of reduced spatial coherence. Coherence encoding, needed for a transmission of images by this methods, was realized with grating interferometer or with the help of an acousto-optic deflector. We suggest simple practical holographic method of image transmission over single multimode fiber or over fiber bundle with coherent light using filtering by holographic optical elements. Originally this method was successfully tested for the single multimode fiber. In this research we have modified holographic method for transmission of laser illuminated images over commercially available fiber bundle (fiber endoscope, or fiberscope).

Kukhtarev, Nicholai↗

Injection Seeded/Phase-Conjugated 2-micron Laser System

For the first time, beam quality improvement of 2 micron laser using a fiber based phase conjugation mirror has been demonstrated. Single frequency operation is necessary to lower threshold. The reflectivity of PCM is approx. 50%.

Bai, Yingxin↗

NASA Tech Briefs, February 2010

Topics covered include: Insulation-Testing Cryostat With Lifting Mechanism; Optical Testing of Retroreflectors for Cryogenic Applications; Measuring Cyclic Error in Laser Heterodyne Interferometers; Self-Referencing Hartmann Test for Large-Aperture Telescopes; Measuring a Fiber-Optic Delay Line Using a Mode-Locked Laser; Reconfigurable Hardware for Compressing Hyperspectral Image Data; Spatio-Temporal Equalizer for a Receiving-Antenna Feed Array; High-Speed Ring Bus; Nanoionics-Based Switches for Radio-Frequency Applications; Lunar Dust-Tolerant Electrical Connector; Compact, Reliable EEPROM Controller; Quad-Chip Double-Balanced Frequency Tripler; Ka-Band Waveguide Two-Way Hybrid Combiner for MMIC Amplifiers; Radiation-Hardened Solid-State Drive; Use of Nanofibers to Strengthen Hydrogels of Silica, Other Oxides, and Aerogels; Two Concepts for Deployable Trusses; Concentric Nested Toroidal Inflatable Structures; Investigating Dynamics of Eccentricity in Turbomachines; Improved Low-Temperature Performance of Li-Ion Cells Using New Electrolytes; Integrity Monitoring of Mercury Discharge Lamps; White-Light Phase-Conjugate Mirrors as Distortion Correctors; Biasable, Balanced, Fundamental Submillimeter Monolithic Membrane Mixer; ICER-3D Hyperspectral Image Compression Software; and Context Modeler for Wavelet Compression of Spectral Hyperspectral Images.

Source record↗

Design Techniques for Beam Waveguide Systems

Various design techniques used for beam waveguide (BWG) feed systems are characterized. These include the use of gaussian beam, geometrical optics, and physical optics systems. Also introduced is a new technique based upon a conjugate phase matching focal plane technique. Advantages, disadvantages, and range of applicability of each technique is given, In addition, comparisons of computed and measured results from each type of design are presented.

beam↗

Active retrodirective arrays for SPS beam pointing

The basic requirement of the SPS beam pointing system is that it deliver a certain amount of S-band (lambda = 12.5 cm) power to a 9.6 km diameter receiving rectenna on the ground. The power is transmitted from a 1.0 km diameter antenna array on the SPS, which is, for a rectenna at about plus or minus 40 deg. latitude, some 37.5x10 to the 6th power km distant. At the present time ARA's appear to be the best bet to realize this very stringent beam pointing requirement. An active retrodirective array (ARA) transmits a beam towards the apparent source of an illuminating signal called the pilot. The array produces, not merely reflects, RF power. Retrodirectivity is achieved by retransmitting from each element of the array a signal whose phase is the "conjugate" of that received by the element. Phase conjugate circuits and pointing errors in ARA's are described. Results obtained using a 2-element X-band ARA and an 8-element S-band ARA are included.

Chernoff, R.↗