Optics

Satellite peaks in the scattering of light from the two-dimensional randomly rough surface of a dielectric film on a planar metal surface

by Tor Nordam

Co-authored with Paul Anton Letnes, Ingve Simonsen, Alexei Maradudin. Published in Optics Express, Volume 20, Issue 10, May 2012.

A nonperturbative, purely numerical, solution of the reduced Rayleigh equation for the scattering of p- and... more A nonperturbative, purely numerical, solution of the reduced Rayleigh equation for the scattering of p- and s-polarized light from a dielectric film with a two-dimensional randomly rough surface deposited on a planar metallic substrate, has been carried out. It is found that satellite peaks are present in the angular dependence of the elements of the mean differential reflection coefficient in addition to an enhanced backscattering peak. This result resolves a conflict between the results of earlier approximate theoretical studies of scattering from this system.

Calculation of all elements of the Mueller matrix for scattering of light from a two-dimensional randomly rough metal surface

by Tor Nordam

Co-authored with Paul Anton Letnes, Alexei Maradudin, Ingve Simonsen

We calculate all the elements of the Mueller matrix, which contains all the polarization properties of light scattered... more We calculate all the elements of the Mueller matrix, which contains all the polarization properties of light scattered from a two-dimensional randomly rough lossy metal surface. The calculations are carried out for arbitrary angles of incidence by the use of nonperturbative numerical solutions of the reduced Rayleigh equations for the scattering of p- and s-polarized light from a two-dimensional rough penetrable surface. The ability to model polarization effects in light scattering from surfaces enables better interpretation of experimental data and allows for the design of surfaces which possess useful polarization effects.

Numerical simulations of scattering of light from two-dimensional surfaces using the Reduced Rayleigh Equation

by Tor Nordam

Co-authored with Paul Anton Letnes and Ingve Simonsen

A formalism is introduced for the non-perturbative, purely numerical, solution of the reduced Rayleigh equation for... more A formalism is introduced for the non-perturbative, purely numerical, solution of the reduced Rayleigh equation for the scattering of light from two-dimensional penetrable rough surfaces. As an example, we apply this formalism to study the scattering of p- or s-polarized light from two- dimensional dielectric or metallic randomly rough surfaces by calculating the full angular distribution of the co- and cross-polarized intensity of the scattered light. In particular, we present calculations of the mean differential reflection coefficient for glass and silver surfaces characterized by (isotropic or anisotropic) Gaussian and cylindrical power spectra. The proposed method is found, within the validity of the Rayleigh hypothesis, to give reliable results. For a non-absorbing metal surface the conservation of energy was explicitly checked, and found to be satisfied to within 0.03%, or better, for the parameters assumed. This testifies to the accuracy of the approach and a satisfactory discretization.

Wavefront sensor with Fresnel zone plates for use in an undergraduate laboratory

by Piotr Migdal

Kalogianakis, M. (2002). Approaches in the field of didactic of physics: How students and future teachers in France understand the formation of shadows. A case study, Pedagogical Review, 34, 173-196 (in Greek).

by Michail Kalogiannakis

This study is part of a much larger survey conducted in France during the period 1994-98 by Laurence Viennot, Edith... more This study is part of a much larger survey conducted in France during the period 1994-98 by Laurence Viennot, Edith Saltiel and Wanda Kaminski, professors at the University of Paris VII in the laboratory LDSP (Laboratoire de Didactique des Sciences Physiques). The aim was to study the effect of changes in the curriculum of teaching some basic concepts of elementary optics in the French educational system. This article presents the results of research in the cities of Rennes and Reims concerning the teaching of optics at high school students and students (stagiaires). The sample consisted of French students at the age of students in second year of high school and students who were prospective teachers. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (a) the manner in which school students and college students use basic knowledge of optics to explain the formation of a shadow, (b) what are the criteria for explaining the manner and (c) what are the differences in interpretations. Additionally, we tried to study the difficulties faced by students who were taught under the old curriculum than those taught with the new. The research tools were three different types of questionnaires for the students and another component to the three questionnaires given to students. This paper presents and analyzes the responses of pupils and students. For these pupils it is not always obvious that they know the light as a whole with the qualities it has. In contrast, for prospective teachers of science, the above finding does not seem to apply. A final general conclusion is that there is difficulty in using the basic concepts of elementary visual documentation of a good response.
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Καλογιαννάκης, Μ. (2002). Προσεγγίσεις στο χώρο της Διδακτικής της Φυσικής: Πώς μαθητές και μελλοντικοί εκπαιδευτικοί στη Γαλλία κατανοούν το σχηματισμό των σκιών στην οπτική. Μια μελέτη περίπτωσης, Παιδαγωγική Επιθεώρηση, 34, 173-196.

Η μελέτη αυτή αποτελεί τμήμα μιας πολύ μεγαλύτερης έρευνας που πραγματοποιήθηκε στη Γαλλία την τετραετία 1994-98 από τις Laurence Viennot, Edith Saltiel και Wanda Kaminski, καθηγήτριες στο Πανεπιστήμιο Παρίσι VII στο εργαστήριο L.D.S.P (Laboratoire de Didactique des Sciences Physiques). Σκοπός της έρευνας ήταν να μελετήσει την επίδραση που έχουν οι αλλαγές του αναλυτικού προγράμματος διδασκαλίας κάποιων βασικών εννοιών της στοιχειώδους οπτικής στο Γαλλικό εκπαιδευτικό σύστημα. Στο άρθρο αυτό παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας για τις πόλεις Rennes και Reims σχετικά με τη διδασκαλία της οπτικής σε μαθητές του Γυμνασίου αλλά και φοιτητές (stagiaires). Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτέλεσαν Γάλλοι μαθητές με ηλικία αντίστοιχη σε μαθητές Β΄ Γυμνασίου και φοιτητές που ήταν μελλοντικοί εκπαιδευτικοί. Σκοπός της έρευνας ήταν η διερεύνηση: (α) του τρόπου με τον οποίο οι μαθητές και οι φοιτητές χρησιμοποιούν στοιχειώδεις γνώσεις της οπτικής για να εξηγήσουν το σχηματισμό της σκιάς, (β) ποια είναι τα κριτήρια των εξηγήσεών του και (γ) ποιες είναι οι διαφορές στις ερμηνείες τους. Επιπρόσθετα, προσπαθήσαμε να μελετήσουμε τις δυσκολίες που αντιμετωπίζουν οι μαθητές που διδάχθηκαν με το παλιό αναλυτικό πρόγραμμα σε σχέση με αυτούς που διδάχθηκαν με το νέο. Τα εργαλεία της έρευνας ήταν ερωτηματολόγια τριών διαφορετικών τύπων για τους μαθητές και ένα άλλο συνθετικό ως προς τα τρία που δόθηκε στους φοιτητές. Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζονται και αναλύονται οι απαντήσεις των μαθητών και των φοιτητών. Για τους μαθητές δεν είναι πάντα προφανές ότι γνωρίζουν το φως ως μία ολότητα με τις ιδιότητες που έχει. Αντίθετα, για τους μελλοντικούς εκπαιδευτικούς των Φυσικών Επιστημών δεν φαίνεται να ισχύει η παραπάνω διαπίστωση. Ένα γενικό τελικό συμπέρασμα είναι ότι υπάρχει ιδιαίτερη δυσκολία στη χρήση των βασικών εννοιών της στοιχειώδους οπτικής στην τεκμηρίωση μιας ορθής απάντησης.

Optic desires: toward better understanding of wall arrangement at the late 13th century Byzantine Architecture, Before and After the Fall of Constantinople The Center and Peripheries of Byzantine World in the Turbulent Times Before and After the Conquests of Constantinople in 1204 and 1453, ed. V. Stankovic [forthcoming]

by Jasmina S. Ćirić (Јасмина С. Ћирић)

International Symposium within the framework of the project Christian Culture in the
Balkans in the Middle Ages: Byzantine Empire, the Serbs and the Bulgarians from the 9th to the 15th century (no. 177015) funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of the
Republic of Serbia Belgrade, June 15-16, 2012.

Historiography of Byzantine architecture used a uniform type of photography concerning several methodological... more Historiography of Byzantine architecture used a uniform type of photography concerning several methodological problems: most published images are black and white, focused at “total look” of the church. Stereotype of image gave the viewer monochromic illusion of the building: blurred image without details. According to the fact that brickwork ornamentation was used extensively in architecture starting from the end of 13th century until the Fall of the Empire, the façade has become important iconic image of architecture. A crucial methodological problem “for the eyes to see” iconic and economic nature of the wall is the lack of detailed photographic material published in the architectural historiography. Inadequate photographies resulted with numerous interpretational anachronisms about “the unchangeable Byzantine architecture”. Through several examples of Byzantine architecture from the end of 13th century (e.g. south church of Constantine Lips, Chora Church in Constantinople) it will be showed that details are more than the superficial banality. Framing the details results with different “unlocking” polychrome devices of the wall structure. Coming closer with DSLR sensor camera implies with sharpening of each facade detail without fumbling, the same as the optical mechanism known as the eye focuses images . By recomposing it in new photographic totalities it will be shown what are the optic desires of the walls as a symbol of “the Wisdom of Our Times.”

Russian version of Optics of anizotropic media

by Vladimir K. Ignatovich

The paper was submitted to many journals and was rejected from everywhere. At last it was accepted by Russian journal Uspekhi.
The editorial board asked us to translate to Russian. The translated text we furnished with epigraphs. Then editorial board asked to delete epigraphs.
Our correspondence with editor in chief L.Keldysh and with the Editor is presented at the end of the paper. Finally we removed epigraphs from published version, as every one can see.

A new effective approach to analytical description of electromagnetic waves in nonmagnetic anisotropic media is... more A new effective approach to analytical description of electromagnetic waves in nonmagnetic anisotropic media is proposed. Analytical formulas for refraction and reflection of the waves at the interface between an isotropic and an anisotropic media are obtained. Beam splitting at reflection and refraction is reviewed, and the generation of surface waves is examined. Conditions for the D'yakonov surface waves creation and a method of these waves observation are discussed. Analytical and numerical calculations of the reflection and trasmission of plane parallel uniaxial plates are outlined.

OPTICS, IMAGING, AND PHOTONICS: BUILDING A 21ST CENTURY INDUSTRY IN ROCHESTER, NY

by Jennifer Clark

Christopherson, Susan and Jennifer Clark. The Optics, Imaging, and Photonics Industry in Rochester, NY: Building a 21st Century Industry. Education and Training Administration, US Department of Labor, Washington, DC 2003

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The optics, imaging, and photonics industry in Rochester demonstrates strong potential to... more EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The optics, imaging, and photonics industry in Rochester demonstrates strong potential to develop as an engine of economic expansion in the region. The industry, with its international markets and multiple applications, can provide the region with cutting edge technology and help to regrow
a strong manufacturing sector. This report and action plan focus on the small and medium size firms (SMEs) in the industry and on how this “cluster” can fulfill its promise and realize its full
capacity. There is no shortage of talent in the photonics workforce or in Rochester firms and institutions engaged in new optics and imaging technologies. The region is unusually well
positioned because of its long history in optics and imaging. Public and private investments have developed new technologies and built a highly skilled workforce that is both specialized in a set of technologies and flexible enough to respond to changing markets. The economic development challenge for Rochester is to retain and expand these regional assets for a new economic
environment.

Between June 2001 and December 2002 Cornell University researchers carried out a multifaceted analysis of the Rochester regional economy with an emphasis on the area’s historically dominant industries: optics and imaging and its new economy variant, photonics. This research included industry and occupational analyses based on regional economic data, interviews, focus groups, and an industry survey. A strategic planning conference included stakeholders from throughout
the region representing the public, private, nonprofit, and education communities. This report presents findings from the research effort and the October strategic planning conference.

Our goal is to stimulate further discussion about how the photonics industry can serve as an engine
for economic development and job growth in the Rochester
region.

Industry stakeholders and participants in the October 2002 conference discussed the elements of an action plan. Key steps
included:

1. Decrease duplication of economic development efforts among private and public sector actors
2. Encourage linkages among stakeholder groups in order to foster strategic planning and productive use of available economic development resources
3. Support small and medium sized firms (SMEs) in Rochester — both existing firms and the emergence of new firms — from start-up through commercialization
4. Develop community-industry leadership across stakeholder groups. The broader goal articulated by conference participants and industry stakeholders is the development of a strategic plan to use existing economic development resources as wisely as
possible to develop the industry, promote the region, and improve the standard of living of its
citizens

Ultra-broadband Light Absorption by a Sawtooth Anisotropic Metamaterial Slab

by Kin Hung Fung

LEDs Brancos Sem Fio

by Jessica Meyer

In Wireless Brasil < http://www.wirelessbrasil.org >

This paper describes the new tecnology of White-LED, that is sitll not well known to the general public. At first, the... more This paper describes the new tecnology of White-LED, that is sitll not well known to the general public. At first, the concept of wireless network and optic wireless will be shown. Then, how this new tecnology works, as well as its pros and contras. At last, its importance and future expectations will be presented.

Photorefractive grating in multiple quantum well planar waveguide

by Andrzej Ziółkowski

E. Weinert-Rączka, M.Wichtowski, A. Ziółkowski and G. Staroń, Acta Physica Polonica A 103, 229 (2003).

A photo ref r act ive grati ng in a slab wa veguide based on a semi-insulating AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum well... more A photo ref r act ive grati ng in a slab wa veguide based on a semi-insulating AlGaAs/GaAs multiple quantum well structure with an electric field applied along the quantum well planes as an opticall y controlled , frequency selective mode coupling element with memory is analysed .

Spatial solitons in biased photorefractive media with quadratic electro-optic effect

by Andrzej Ziółkowski

A. Ziółkowski, E. Weinert-Rączka, Opto-Electron. Rev. 13, 135, (2005)

Propagation of optical beams and properties of one-dimensional (1D) spatial solitons in biased photorefractive media... more Propagation of optical beams and properties of one-dimensional (1D) spatial solitons in biased photorefractive media with quadratic electro-optic effect are analysed. An exact analytic solution of the corresponding propagation problem is presented as well as a numerical investigation of the evolution of optical beams.

Temporal analysis of solitons in photorefractive semiconductors

by Andrzej Ziółkowski

Andrzej Ziółkowski, Journal of Optics, 14, 035202, (2012)

Temporal analysis of both the photorefractive mechanism and soliton propagation in a slab semiconductor waveguide is... more Temporal analysis of both the photorefractive mechanism and soliton propagation in a slab semiconductor waveguide is presented. As an example, a structure based on GaAs/AlGaAs
MQWs was investigated. Both a numerical and simple analytical approach based on the bipolar band-transport model is used to derive a temporal photorefractive response on localized illumination. The corresponding propagation problem describing the evolution of screening soliton profiles in media with quadratic electro-optic effect was also discussed.

Analytical and Numerical Evaluation of Transmission Characteristics of Chirped DBF Lasers in Dispersive Optical Fiber.

by Jesus Martinez Linares

Jesús Martínez-Linares, C.R. Mirasso, P. García-Fernández y F.J. Bermejo, Published in Optics Communications 116, 116-122 (1995). Índice de impacto 1.488. Revista 17 de 54 en el área de Óptica (2004). Editorial: Elsevier. ISSN: 0030-4018.

Analytical and numerical results are presented for the propagation of optical pulses of 1.5 μm DFB lasers in the... more Analytical and numerical results are presented for the propagation of optical pulses of 1.5 μm DFB lasers in the presence of fiber dispersion. An approximate analytical model for the evolution of the pulse is given and shown to provide reasonable agreement with the numerical results obtained for digital transmission at 3.0 Gb/s. Comparison with pulse broadening and compression of Gaussian pulses is given, showing that our model, which fits the initial pulse to an asymmetrical function, describes the numerical results better. The utility of the model is for fiber dispersion compensation. Although the examples analyzed are not of practical interest, they show the benefit of the theory with respect to the Gaussian model, since it is able to predict numerical results.

Experimental investigations of the scanning functions of galvanometer-based scanners with applications in OCT

by Virgil-Florin Duma

Duma V. F.*, Lee K.-S., Meemon P., Rolland J. P., Experimental investigations of the scanning functions of galvanometer-based scanners with applications in OCT , Applied Optics 50(29), 5735-5749 (2011)
- also selected in Virtual Journal for Biomedical Optics 6(11), ISSN 1931-1532, 2011

We analyse three most common profiles of scanning functions for galvanometer-based scanners (GS), the sawtooth,... more We analyse three most common profiles of scanning functions for galvanometer-based scanners (GS), the sawtooth, triangular and sinusoidal functions. They are determined experimentally with regard to the scan parameters of the input signal (i.e. frequency and amplitude). We study the differences of the output function of the GS measured as the positional error of the oscillatory mirror from the ideal function given by the input signal of the device. The limits in achieving the different types of scanning functions in terms of duty cycle and linearity are determined experimentally for the possible range of scan parameters. Of particular importance are the preservation of an imposed duty cycle and profile for the sawtooth function, the quantification of the linearity for the sinusoidal function, and the effective duty cycle for the triangular, as well as for the other functions. The range of scan amplitudes for which the stability of the oscillatory regime of the galvo mirror is stable for different frequencies is also highlighted. While the use of the device in certain scanning regimes is studied, certain rules of thumb are deduced to make the best out of the galvoscanner. Finally, the three types of scanning functions are tested with a Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FD OCT) setup and the conclusions of the study are demonstrated in an imaging application by correlating the determined limits of the scanning regimes with the requirements of OCT.

Absorbing new subjects: holography as an analog of photography

by Sean Johnston

I discuss the early history of holography and explore how perceptions, applications, and forecasts of the subject were... more I discuss the early history of holography and explore how perceptions, applications, and forecasts of the subject were shaped by prior experience. I focus on the work of Dennis Gabor (1900–1979) in England,Yury N. Denisyuk (b. 1924) in the Soviet Union, and Emmett N. Leith (1927–2005) and Juris Upatnieks (b. 1936) in the United States. I show that the evolution of holography was simultaneously promoted and constrained by its identification as an analog of photography, an association that influenced its assessment by successive audiences of practitioners, entrepreneurs, and consumers. One consequence is that holography can be seen as an example of a modern technical subject that has been shaped by cultural influences more powerfully than generally appreciated. Conversely, the understanding of this new science and technology in terms of an older one helps to explain why the cultural effects of holography have been more muted than anticipated by forecasters between the 1960s and 1990s.

A Historian's View of Holography.

by Sean Johnston

For practitioners immersed in their subjects, the history of holography may may seldom prompt deep reflection or... more For practitioners immersed in their subjects, the history of holography may may seldom prompt deep reflection or justification. Research is guided by straightforward scientific questions, and development may be impelled by technological and economic goals. Historians have their own cluster of motivations and questions, which this paper addresses.

Reconstructing the history of holography

by Sean Johnston

This paper discusses large-scale but gradual changes in the subject of holography that have only recently become... more This paper discusses large-scale but gradual changes in the subject of holography that have only recently become readily observable. Presenting an analysis of publications in holography over the past half century, the paper illustrates and discusses the evolving shape of the subject. Over 40,000 international information sources have been recorded, including some 20,000 papers, 10,000 conference presentations, 7,000 patents, 1,000 books, nearly as many theses and at least 500 exhibitions. This statistical and sociological approach is combined with the identification of specific factors – notably the role of individuals, conferences, proof-of-concept demonstrations and exhibitions – to suggest that the development of holography has been unusually contingent on a variety of intellectual and social influences. The paper situates these observations about holography and holographers in the context of a wider discussion about the styles, purposes and difficulties of historical writing on technological subjects. It further suggests that this ongoing process of both recording and reconstructing technological history can be aided by identification of sources sometimes overlooked or undervalued by practitioners: unpublished archival materials such as private file collections; business records; accounts of unsuccessful activities; and, by no means least, anecdotal accounts inter-linked between participants.

Holography: From science to subcultures

by Sean Johnston

Holography has time and again been reconceived and retargeted by an unusually diverse succession of users with... more Holography has time and again been reconceived and retargeted by an unusually diverse succession of users with divergent perceptions, methods and goals. Two of the earliest and most dissimilar communities had origins in classified research and the counterculture movement.

Making light work: practices and practitioners of photometry

by Sean Johnston

Light measurement, a hybrid subject straddling science and technology, was shaped by, and in turn shaped, its cultural... more Light measurement, a hybrid subject straddling science and technology, was shaped by, and in turn shaped, its cultural environment and disparate communities of investigators. This orphan subject, while not the success story commonly singled out for historical analysis, had developmental features that may be common to other twentieth-century subjects.