Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Refractometry”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,117 records · Page 62Linked to original sources

Improved interferometric detection of scattered light with a 4f imaging system.

We analyze the performance of three imaging systems to detect near-forward scattered light interferometrically by using a Mach-Zehnder geometry. The alignment of each system is demonstrated by measurement of the heterodyne efficiency and correlation of the angular width and field 1/e radius measurements of the sample beam. Measurements of angular-scattering data demonstrate the range of angles over which each system is effective. Of the three systems analyzed, the 4f imaging system is determined to be most effective, because it accurately reproduces both the phase and the amplitude of the scattered field at the detector.

Equipment Design↗

Experimental measurement of the refractive index of biological tissues by total internal reflection.

We discuss the refractive-index measurement of biological tissues by total internal reflection. The methodology of the measurement is illuminated comprehensively, and an experimental setup, combined with a data processing program, is developed correspondingly. Refractive indices of typical tissue samples are measured by use of the developed methodology. The agreement of our measurements with the reported results shows the validity of our scheme, which has the potential for being a simple, quick, and low-cost practical means for determining the refractive index of a turbid medium. Moreover, an empirical formula for evaluating the refractive index of Intralipid suspensions with different concentrations is also presented according to experimental measurements.

Adipose Tissue↗

Effects of refractive index on near-infrared tomography of the breast.

Near infrared (NIR) optical tomography is an imaging technique in which internal images of optical properties are reconstructed with the boundary measurements of light propagation through the medium. Recent advances in instrumentation and theory have led to the use of this method for the detection and characterization of tumors within the female breast tissue. Most image reconstruction approaches have used the diffusion approximation and have assumed that the refractive index of the breast is constant, with a bulk value of approximately 1.4. We have applied a previously reported modified diffusion approximation, in which the refractive index for different tissues can be modeled. The model was used to generate NIR data from a realistic breast geometry containing a localized anomaly. Using this simulated data, we have reconstructed optical images, both with and without correct knowledge of the refractive-index distribution to show that the modified diffusion approximation can accurately recover the anomaly given a priori knowledge of refractive index. But using a reconstruction algorithm without the use of correct a priori information regarding the refractive-index distribution is shown as recovering the anomaly but with a degraded quality, depending on the degree of refractive index mismatch. The results suggest that provided the refractive index of breast tissue is approximately 1.3-1.4, their exclusion will have minimal effect on the reconstructed images.

Algorithms↗

Finite-difference time-domain solution of light scattering by an infinite dielectric column immersed in an absorbing medium.

The two-dimensional (2-D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is applied to calculate light scattering and absorption by an arbitrarily shaped infinite column embedded in an absorbing dielectric medium. A uniaxial perfectly matched layer (UPML) absorbing boundary condition is used to truncate the computational domain. The single-scattering properties of the infinite column embedded in the absorbing medium, including scattering phase functions and extinction and absorption efficiencies, are derived by use of an area integration of the internal field. An exact solution for light scattering and absorption by a circular cylinder in an absorbing medium is used to examine the accuracy of the 2-D UPML FDTD code. With use of a cell size of 1/120 incident wavelength in the FDTD calculations, the errors in the extinction and absorption efficiencies and asymmetry factors from the 2-D UPML FDTD are generally smaller than approximately 0.1%. The errors in the scattering phase functions are typically smaller than approximately 4%. With the 2-D UPML FDTD technique, light scattering and absorption by long noncircular columns embedded in absorbing media can be accurately solved.

Absorption↗

Optimized birefringence changes during isolated nerve activation.

Single trial, birefringence signals associated with action potentials from isolated lobster nerves were optimized with high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and glass polarizers. The narrow spectral output of the LEDs allowed us to select specific wavelengths, increasing the effectiveness of the polarizers and minimizing the stray light in the system. The LEDs produced intensity profiles equivalent to narrowband filtered 100-W halogen light, and birefringence signals were comparable or superior in size and clarity to halogen lamp recordings. The results support a direct correlation between signal size and polarizer extinction coefficient. Increasing the sensitivity of birefringence detection through the use of LED light sources could ameliorate noninvasive brain imaging techniques that employ fast optical consequences associated with action potential propagation.

Action Potentials↗

P(N) approximation for frequency-domain measurements in scattering media.

Presented here are expressions for the P(N) approximation for light propagation in scattering media in the frequency domain. To elucidate parametric dependencies, the derivation uses normalization of the resulting expressions to either the total interaction coefficient or the reduced total interaction coefficient. For the latter case, a set of reduced phase function coefficients are introduced. Expression of the P(N) approximation as a conventional eigenvalue problem facilitates computation of the eigenvalues or attenuation coefficients. This approach is used to determine the attenuation coefficients in the asymptotic regime over the full values of the scattering albedo and reduced scattering albedo (0 to 1) and all positive values of the asymmetry factor (0 to 1). Frequency-domain measurements yield a sensitivity to turbid media optical properties for reduced scattering albedos as small as 0.2. P(N) calculations are used to assess the magnitude of errors associated with the P1 and P3 approximations over a range of scattering albedo, phase function, and modulation frequency.

Computer Simulation↗

Diffraction-induced coherence levels.

We examined the influence of complex diffraction effects on low-coherence fringes created for high-aspect depth-to-width ratio structures called trenches. The coherence function was analyzed for these micrometer-wide trenches and was registered with a white-light interference microscope. For some types of surface structure we observed that additional low-coherence fringes that do not correspond directly to the surface topology are formed near the sharp edges of the structures. These additional coherence fringes were studied by rigorous numerical evaluations of vector diffractions, and these simulated interference fields were then compared with experimental results that were obtained with a white-light interference microscope.

Computer Simulation↗

In vivo measurement of lower back deformations with Fourier-transform profilometry.

Through the variation of their cross sections, the in vivo response of lower back muscles to low loading in an upright seated posture is explored by the Fourier-transform profilometry technique. The maximization of its sensitivity allows us to reach an adequate resolution for the evaluation of low-back displacements. Refinements of the fringe pattern analysis permit the minimization of errors. The experiments show an asymmetric distribution of the displacement during head rotation movements. Significant contribution of the lower back to grasping exertions is also observed. These results are thought to be useful for early defect detection in the lower back.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗

Laser-Doppler velocity profile sensor with submicrometer spatial resolution that employs fiber optics and a diffractive lens.

We report a novel laser-Doppler velocity profile sensor for microfluidic and nanofluidic applications and turbulence research. The sensors design is based on wavelength-division multiplexing. The high dispersion of a diffractive lens is used to generate a measurement volume with convergent and divergent interference fringes by means of two laser wavelengths. Evaluation of the scattered light from tracers allows velocity gradients to be measured in flows with submicrometer spatial resolution inside a measurement volume of 700-microm length. Using diffraction optics and fiber optics, we achieved a miniaturized and robust velocity profile sensor for highly resolved velocity measurements.

Equipment Design↗

Development of a bioengineered tissue model and its application in the investigation of the depth selectivity of polarization gating.

Understanding the propagation of polarized light in tissue is crucial for a number of biomedical optics applications. Here we report the development of a bioengineered connective tissue model fabricated by the combination of scaffolding and cross-linking techniques to study light transport in biological tissue. It demonstrates great similarity to real connective tissue in its optical properties as well as microarchitecture. Moreover, the optical properties of the model can be reproducibly controlled. As an example, we report the utilization of this model to study the effect of epithelium and the underlying connective tissue on the depth selectivity of polarization gating.

Animals↗

Generation of picosecond pulses at five close wavelengths by use of a self-seeded Fabry-Perot laser diode and a spectrum-split fiber Bragg grating.

We have demonstrated simultaneous generation of stable picosecond laser pulses at five close wavelengths at a pulse repetition rate of approximately 2 GHz by using a self-seeding configuration that consisted of a gain-switched Fabry-Perot laser diode (FPLD) with an external cavity formed by a tunable spectrum-split fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The FBG selected only one of the modes of the FPLD and, at the same time, filtered the selected FPLD mode such that the reflection from the FBG, tapped with a directional coupler, provided an output of dual-wavelength pulses and the transmission through the FBG provided an output of three-wavelength pulses. We could change the intensities and the wavelength separations of the pulses by adjusting the modulating radio frequency and the temperature of the FPLD and the separation of the FBG reflection peaks. In our experiments the highest side-mode suppression ratios of the pulses obtained were 44.5 dB for the dual-wavelength output and 25.0 dB for the three-wavelength output. Also, the laser was demonstrated to minimize pulse intensity imbalance and produce equally separated wavelengths (with a wavelength separation of 0.2 nm). This simple laser offers considerable flexibility for various applications.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

Effect of the azimuthal orientation on the performance of grating-coupled surface-plasmon resonance biosensors.

The effect of azimuthal orientation on the electromagnetic coupling of surface plasmons with the incident and diffracted light of a grating-coupled surface-plasmon resonance (GC-SPR) biosensor is investigated, and its practical implications are explored. For this purpose a GC-SPR biosensor model is considered, and well-established rigorous coupled-wave analysis is used. Numerical results indicate significant variations in surface-plasmon resonance characteristics in connection with the interaction between surface-plasmon polaritons associated with multiple-order diffraction. The results are discussed as they relate to applications that require minimal rotation sensitivity.

Algorithms↗

Determination of polar stratospheric cloud particle refractive indices by use of in situ optical measurements and T-matrix calculations.

A new algorithm to infer structural parameters such as refractive index and asphericity of cloud particles has been developed by use of in situ observations taken by a laser backscattersonde and an optical particle counter during balloon stratospheric flights. All three main particles, liquid, ice, and a no-ice solid (NAT, nitric acid trihydrate) of polar stratospheric clouds, were observed during two winter flights performed from Kiruna, Sweden. The technique is based on use of the T-matrix code developed for aspherical particles to calculate the backscattering coefficient and particle depolarizing properties on the basis of size distribution and concentration measurements. The results of the calculations are compared with observations to estimated refractive indices and particle asphericity. The method has also been used in cases when the liquid and solid phases coexist with comparable influence on the optical behavior of the cloud to estimate refractive indices. The main results prove that the index of refraction for NAT particles is in the range of 1.37-1.45 at 532 nm. Such particles would be slightly prolate spheroids. The calculated refractive indices for liquid and ice particles are 1.51-1.55 and 1.31-1.33, respectively. The results for solid particles confirm previous measurements taken in Antarctica during 1992 and obtained by a comparison of lidar and optical particle counter data.

Algorithms↗

Beam shaping by use of hybrid acousto-optics with feedback.

We theoretically demonstrate beam shaping through adaptive feedback in an acousto-optic device with electrical feedback by using experimentally determined parameters. Cases of positive feedback and negative feedback from undiffracted and diffracted orders are investigated. In addition, we demonstrate the dependence of the final value of the induced grating strength in the acousto-optic cell on the feedback parameters.

Algorithms↗

Fiber-optic sensor for handgrip-strength monitoring: conception and design.

Handgrip strength is an easy measure of skeletal muscle function as well as a powerful predictor of disability, morbidity, and mortality. In order to measure grip strength, a novel fiber-optic approach is proposed and demonstrated. The strain-dependent wavelength response of fiber Bragg gratings has been utilized to obtain the strength of individual fingers. Finite-element analysis is carried out to optimize the pressure transmission from the finger to the fiber Bragg grating. The effect of stiffness of the pressurizing media, its thickness, and the effect of contact fraction are evaluated. It is found that significant enhancement in the pressure sensitivity and wavelength-tuning range is achievable by optimizing these parameters. Also the stress-induced birefringence could be reduced to an insignificant near-zero value. The device is calibrated in terms of load to convert the wavelength shift to the strength of the grip. The time-dependent wavelength fluctuation is also studied and presented.

Computer-Aided Design↗

Computations of the acoustically induced phase shifts of optical paths in acoustophotonic imaging with photorefractive-based detection.

Acoustophotonic imaging uses ultrasound-modulated scattered light to improve the quality of optical imaging in diffusive media. Experiments that use photorefractive-crystal-based detection have shown that there is a large dc shift in the acoustically modulated or ac optical signal, which could be utilized to further improve optical imaging resolution. We report that photon paths in a diffusive medium were generated by a Monte Carlo simulation, and the optical phase shifts of the various photons induced by the presence of a realistic focused ultrasound beam were calculated. Quantities that characterize the ac and dc signal components were evaluated by use of the calculated phase shifts. It was confirmed that the dc component dominates owing to coherent summation of the contributions from all the photons.

Acoustics↗

Imaging in diffuse media with pulsed-ultrasound-modulated light and the photorefractive effect.

Acousto-optic imaging in diffuse media is a dual wave-sensing technique in which an acoustic field interacts with multiply scattered laser light. The acoustic field causes a phase modulation in the optical field emanating from the interaction region, and this phase-modulated optical field carries with it information about the local optomechanical properties of the media. We report on the use of a pulsed ultrasound transducer to modulate the optical field and the use of a photorefractive-crystal-based interferometry system to detect ultrasound-modulated light. The use of short pulses of focused ultrasound allows for a one-dimensional acousto-optic image to be obtained along the transducer axis from a single, time-averaged acousto-optic signal. The axial and lateral resolutions of the system are controlled by the spatial pulse length and width of the ultrasound beam, respectively. In addition, scanning the ultrasound transducer in one dimension yields two-dimensional images of optical inhomogeneities buried in turbid media.

Diffusion↗

In situ measurement of the infrared absorption and extinction of chemical and biologically derived aerosols using flow-through photoacoustics.

In an effort to establish a more reliable set of optical cross sections for a variety of chemical and biological aerosol simulants, we have developed a flow-through photoacoustic system that is capable of measuring absolute, mass-normalized extinction and absorption cross sections. By employing a flow-through design we avoid issues associated with closed aerosol photoacoustic systems and improve sensitivity. Although the results shown here were obtained for the tunable CO2 laser waveband region, i.e., 9.20-10.80 microm, application to other wavelengths is easily achievable. The aerosols considered are categorized as biological, chemical, and inorganic in origin, i.e., Bacillus atrophaeus endospores, dimethicone silicone oil (SF-96 grade 50), and kaolin clay powder (alumina and silicate), respectively. Results compare well with spectral extinction measured previously by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Comparisons with Mie theory calculations based on previously published complex indices of refraction and measured size distributions are also presented.

Acoustics↗