We experimentally confirm that Light Sheet Microscopy generates images that display the object's internal geometric features, some of which could go undetected through conventional imaging.

Free-space optical (FSO) systems are obligatory for the realization of high-capacity, interference-free communication networks connecting low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, spacecraft, and space stations to Earth. The incident beam's collected portion necessitates a coupling to an optical fiber for seamless integration with high-capacity ground networks. Precisely determining the probability density function (PDF) of fiber coupling efficiency (CE) is essential for a correct evaluation of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bit-error rate (BER) performance metrics. Prior studies have validated the cumulative distribution function (CDF) in single-mode fibers, whereas no such investigation exists for the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of multi-mode fibers within a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) to ground free-space optical (FSO) downlink. Using data from the Small Optical Link for International Space Station (SOLISS) terminal's FSO downlink to a 40-cm sub-aperture optical ground station (OGS) with a fine-tracking system, this paper provides, for the first time, an experimental analysis of the CE PDF for a 200-meter MMF. P7C3 mouse An average CE of 545 decibels was also attained, despite the suboptimal alignment between SOLISS and OGS. Using angle-of-arrival (AoA) and received power information, the statistical characteristics, including channel coherence time, power spectral density, spectrograms, and probability density functions of angle-of-arrival (AoA), beam misalignments, and atmospheric turbulence-induced fluctuations, are determined and benchmarked against contemporary theoretical knowledge.

The fabrication of advanced, entirely solid-state LiDAR hinges upon the implementation of optical phased arrays (OPAs) boasting a vast field of view. A significant element, a wide-angle waveguide grating antenna, is put forward in this article. In waveguide grating antennas (WGAs), we use, instead of avoiding, downward radiation to gain a two-fold increase in the range of beam steering. Steered beams in two directions, originating from a shared set of power splitters, phase shifters, and antennas, contribute to a wider field of view and significantly reduce chip complexity and power consumption, particularly for large-scale OPAs. Far-field beam interference and power fluctuations resulting from downward emission can be lessened through the application of a tailored SiO2/Si3N4 antireflection coating. The WGA's emission distribution is uniform, both above and below the horizontal plane, with a field of view exceeding 90 degrees in both orientations. P7C3 mouse The normalized intensity remains substantially the same, showing only a 10% variation between -39 and 39 for the upward emission and -42 and 42 for the downward emission. A notable characteristic of this WGA is its flat-top radiation pattern in the far field, coupled with high emission efficiency and a design that effectively tolerates deviations in manufacturing. The prospect of wide-angle optical phased arrays is promising.

Within the realm of clinical breast CT, the recently developed X-ray grating interferometry CT (GI-CT) modality offers three distinct and complementary image contrasts: absorption, phase, and dark-field, potentially improving diagnostic outcomes. The attempt to rebuild the three image channels under clinically sound conditions is difficult, owing to the severe ill-posedness of the tomographic reconstruction problem. To address this issue, we introduce a novel reconstruction algorithm that establishes a fixed relationship between the absorption and phase-contrast channels. This algorithm autonomously merges the absorption and phase channels to generate a single, reconstructed image. At clinical doses, the proposed algorithm allows GI-CT to outperform conventional CT, a finding supported by both simulation and real-world data.

Tomographic diffractive microscopy (TDM) is widely implemented, owing to the scalar light-field approximation's application. Samples with anisotropic structures, however, necessitate the incorporation of light's vectorial characteristics, thereby necessitating 3-D quantitative polarimetric imaging. For high-resolution imaging of optically birefringent specimens, a Jones time-division multiplexing (TDM) system, employing high-numerical-aperture illumination and detection, along with a polarized array sensor (PAS) for multiplexed detection, was developed. Image simulations are initially employed to analyze the method. To validate our system, a trial was performed with a sample containing both birefringent and non-birefringent components. P7C3 mouse Finally, a study of Araneus diadematus spider silk fiber and Pinna nobilis oyster shell crystals allows us to evaluate both birefringence and fast-axis orientation maps.

This study showcases the characteristics of Rhodamine B-doped polymeric cylindrical microlasers, which can function as either gain-amplifying devices via amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) or optical lasing gain devices. Research focused on microcavity families, differentiated by weight percentage and unique geometric characteristics, revealed a characteristic pattern associated with gain amplification phenomena. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrates the relationships between the dominant amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and lasing properties, and the geometrical specifics of various cavity families. Microlasers in cylindrical cavities exhibited exceedingly low thresholds for amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and optical lasing, measuring 0.2 Jcm⁻² and 0.1 Jcm⁻², respectively; these results surpass previous literature reports even in the context of 2D pattern-based microlasers. Furthermore, our microlasers exhibited an exceptionally high Q-factor of 3106, and, as far as we are aware, this represents the first instance of a visible emission comb comprising over a hundred peaks at 40 Jcm-2, with a confirmed free spectral range (FSR) of 0.25 nm, substantiated by whispery gallery mode (WGM) theory.

Dewetted SiGe nanoparticles have been successfully integrated into systems for light management in both the visible and near-infrared regions, though the scattering properties of these nanoparticles remain subject to qualitative analysis only. This demonstration highlights how tilted illumination of a SiGe-based nanoantenna can sustain Mie resonances that generate radiation patterns with varying directional characteristics. Our new dark-field microscopy setup takes advantage of nanoantenna movement beneath the objective lens, thereby enabling spectral isolation of Mie resonance contributions within the total scattering cross-section, all during a single measurement. Utilizing 3D, anisotropic phase-field simulations, the aspect ratio of islands is then evaluated, contributing towards a correct interpretation of the experimental data.

Applications heavily rely on the unique properties of bidirectional wavelength-tunable mode-locked fiber lasers. A single bidirectional carbon nanotube mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser in our experiment yielded two frequency combs. Employing a bidirectional ultrafast erbium-doped fiber laser, continuous wavelength tuning is demonstrated for the first time in this study. Tuning the operation wavelength was achieved through the utilization of the microfiber-assisted differential loss-control effect in both directions, manifesting distinct wavelength-tuning performance in each direction. Varying the strain on microfiber within a 23-meter length of stretch tunes the repetition rate difference from 986Hz down to 32Hz. On top of that, a slight deviation in the repetition rate was recorded, reaching 45Hz. This technique might allow for a wider array of wavelengths in dual-comb spectroscopy, consequently broadening its spectrum of practical applications.

Wavefront aberration measurement and correction is a key process, spanning applications from ophthalmology and laser cutting to astronomy, free-space communication, and microscopy. This process invariably requires measuring intensities to deduce the phase. The transport of intensity, a means of phase retrieval, benefits from the link between observable energy flow patterns in optical fields and their wavefronts' characteristics. We propose a simple scheme for dynamic angular spectrum propagation and high-resolution, tunable-sensitivity wavefront extraction of optical fields at diverse wavelengths, utilizing a digital micromirror device (DMD). Common Zernike aberrations, turbulent phase screens, and lens phases are extracted by our approach, under static and dynamic conditions at various wavelengths and polarizations, allowing us to confirm its ability. To achieve adaptive optics, we employ this configuration, utilizing a secondary DMD for conjugate phase modulation and thereby correcting distortions. A compact arrangement proved conducive to convenient real-time adaptive correction, allowing us to observe effective wavefront recovery under various conditions. Our all-digital, versatile, and cost-effective approach delivers a fast, accurate, broadband, and polarization-invariant system.

An all-solid anti-resonant chalcogenide fiber, featuring a large mode area, has been both designed and successfully fabricated for the first time. The fiber's performance, as determined by numerical analysis, showcases a 6000 extinction ratio for high-order modes, and a maximum mode area of 1500 square micrometers. The calculated low bending loss of the fiber, less than 10-2dB/m, is a consequence of its bending radius exceeding 15cm. Subsequently, a normal dispersion of -3 ps/nm/km at a distance of 5 meters presents itself, promoting the transmission of high-power mid-infrared lasers. In conclusion, a completely structured all-solid fiber was developed via the precision drilling and two-step rod-in-tube methods. The fabricated fibers' mid-infrared spectral range transmission spans from 45 to 75 meters, with the lowest observed loss being 7dB/m at the 48-meter mark. The long wavelength band's theoretical loss, as predicted by the model for the optimized structure, is consistent with the observed loss of the prepared structure.