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All‐inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites (CsPbX3, with X = I, Br, Cl) are of great interest for light‐emitting diodes and lasers, as they promise improved thermal stability compared to their organic–inorganic analogues. However, among this family of materials, CsPbI3 shows a detrimental phase instability that causes the perovskite to convert to a thermodynamically preferred non‐perovskite phase (yellow phase) at room temperature. In fact, reports on lasers using thin films of CsPbI3 as gain medium are missing, as of yet. Here, the first distributed feedback (DFB) lasers based on CsPbI3 thin films are presented with a resonator directly patterned into the perovskite by thermal nanoimprint. This breakthrough is unlocked by the additive polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), that affords the formation of perovskite layers consisting of phase stable γ‐CsPbI3 nanocrystals, that are even preserved during thermal imprint at 170 °C. The DFB lasers show a low lasing threshold of 45 µJ cm−2 at room temperature under optical pumping and a tunable emission in the deep red spectral region between 714.1 to 723.4 nm. It is anticipated that the findings of this work will have a broad relevance for future electrically driven perovskite lasers and for light‐emitting diodes based on CsPbI3 as active medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene‐like molecules with multiple zigzag edges are emerging as promising gain materials for organic lasers. Their emission wavelengths can vary widely, ranging from visible to near‐infrared (NIR), as the molecular size increases. Specifically, rhombus‐shaped molecular graphenes with two pairs of parallel zigzag edges, known as [n]rhombenes, are excellent candidates for NIR lasers due to their small energy gaps. However, synthesizing large‐size rhombenes with emission beyond 800 nm in solution remains a significant challenge. In this study, we present a straightforward synthesis of an aryl‐substituted [4]rhombene derivative, [4]RB‐Ar, using a method that combines intramolecular radical‐radical coupling with Bi(OTf)3‐mediated cyclization of vinyl ethers. The structure of [4]RB‐Ar was confirmed through X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Bond length analysis and theoretical calculations indicate that aromatic sextets are predominantly localized along the molecule's long axis. Significantly, [4]RB‐Ar demonstrates narrow amplified spontaneous emission at around 834 nm when dispersed in polystyrene thin films. Moreover, solution‐processed distributed feedback lasers employing [4]RB‐Ar as the active gain material display tunable narrow emissions in the range of 830 to 844 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface‐emitting organic distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are attractive devices for label‐free sensing applications. Of particular interest for cost‐reduction purposes are devices in which both active material and resonator are based on solution‐processable polymeric materials. Here, the capability for label‐free refractive index sensing of DFB devices consisting of top‐layer resonators (1D relief gratings) of dichromated gelatin layers is reported, deposited on top of active films of polystyrene doped with perylene orange. The devices show successful operation for both transversal electric and transversal magnetic modes, with a larger sensor sensibility for the latter (Sb = 38 nm RIU−1). The overall device operation (emission laser wavelength, laser threshold in addition to the sensitivity) has been optimized through the adjustment of the active film thickness and the grating period. This is possible thanks to the versatility offered by the holographic procedure used to fabricate the resonator, and to the top‐layer resonator geometry. Remarkably, the fact that the resonator is based on gelatin (a food‐grade biopolymer), offers great potential for the development of wearable and bio‐compatible sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surveillance and assessment of the total viable count (TVC) of Staphylococcus under different levels of catheter contamination are crucial for the prevention and evaluation of catheter‐related infections in hemodialysis (HD). This paper demonstrates the noninvasive and accurate measurement of the TVC of Staphylococcus using wavelength‐modulated tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (WMAS). The tunable distributed feedback laser with a central wavelength of 2004 nm was employed and the detection limit of 22.5 ppm for carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis was obtained. The growth of Staphylococcus under different medium concentrations was studied, and the results indicated a strong correlation between the growth rate and final TVC of S. epidermidis with the medium concentration. When the degree of catheter contamination was low, resulting in minimal residual nutrient concentration within the catheter, the bacterial growth rate and TVC were effectively suppressed. Therefore, it is proven that WMAS is a user‐friendly, noninvasive, and high signal‐to‐noise ratio technique for monitoring Staphylococcus, making it an effective tool for assessing Staphylococcus growth in HD catheter surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic neuromorphic computing is a competitive paradigm to overcome the bottleneck of von Neumann architectures. Incoherent and coherent synaptic networks are two popular schemes realizing photonic weighting functions. Previous works have proved the distributed feedback (DFB) laser with an intracavity saturable absorber (DFB‐SA) can behavior like a spiking neuron. However, the compatibility with the incoherent synaptic architecture has not yet been demonstrated. Here the neuron‐like dynamics of a DFB‐SA laser subject to single‐wavelength and multiple‐wavelengths incoherent optical injections are experimentally demonstrated. The results show that, for the DFB‐SA laser subject to single‐wavelength incoherent injection, the neuron‐like dynamics including threshold, temporal integration, and refractory period are achieved. Besides, the range of injection wavelength that leads to a successful neuron‐like response is identified. For the DFB‐SA laser with four‐wavelength incoherent optical injection, the neuron‐like dynamics can also be achieved. In addition, the effect of wavelength interval is also considered. The logic XOR operation and Iris recognition tasks are successfully implemented. Furthermore, the feasibility of a cascaded system for the DFB‐SA lasers with four‐wavelengths incoherent optical injection is demonstrated. This work provides a feasible scheme for the system integration of photonic spiking neurons and incoherent synaptic networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the impact of gain medium on linewidth narrowing in integrated self-injection locked III–V/SiN lasers, theoretically and experimentally. We focus on the effects of carrier densities of states in zero- and two-dimensional structures due to quantum-dot and quantum-well confinement. The theoretical approach includes (a) multimode laser interaction to treat mode competition and wave mixing, (b) quantum-optical contributions from spontaneous emission, and (c) composite laser/free-space eigenmodes to describe outcoupling and coupling among components within an extended cavity. For single-cavity lasers, such as distributed feedback lasers, the model reproduces the experimentally observed better linewidth performance of quantum-dot active regions over quantum-well ones. When applied to integrated III–V/SiN lasers, our analysis indicates Hz-level linewidth performance for both quantum-dot and quantum-well gain media due to overcoming the difference in carrier-induced refractive index by incorporating a high-Q SiN passive resonator. Trade-offs are also explored between linewidth, output power, and threshold current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly sensitive infrared photodetectors are needed in numerous sensing and imaging applications. In this paper, we report on extended short-wave infrared (e-SWIR) avalanche photodiodes (APDs) capable of operating at room temperature (RT). To extend the detection wavelength, the e-SWIR APD utilizes a higher indium (In) composition, specifically In0.3Ga0.7As0.25Sb0.75/GaSb heterostructures. The detection cut-off wavelength is successfully extended to 2.6 µm at RT, as verified by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) detection spectrum measurement at RT. The In0.3Ga0.7As0.25Sb0.75/GaSb heterostructures are lattice-matched to GaSb substrates, ensuring high material quality. The noise current at RT is analyzed and found to be the shot noise-limited at RT. The e-SWIR APD achieves a high multiplication gain of M ~ 190 at a low bias of V b i a s = −   2.5   V under illumination of a distributed feedback laser (DFB) with an emission wavelength of 2.3 µm. A high photoresponsivity of R > 140   A / W is also achieved at the low bias of V b i a s = − 2.5   V . This type of highly sensitive e-SWIR APD, with a high internal gain capable of RT operation, provides enabling technology for e-SWIR sensing and imaging while significantly reducing size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial-intelligence-generated content has driven explosive data traffic growth in data-center interconnects. Traditional direct detection solutions struggle with limited spectral efficiency and distance, prompting the shift to coherent optics for cost-sensitive short-reach links. One specific challenge is integrating low-cost lasers while overcoming severe phase noise on high-order modulation formats. Here, we propose a residual carrier modulation scheme for precise and efficient carrier frequency and phase recovery. The residual optical carrier can continuously track phase fluctuations without redundancy compared with discrete time-domain pilots, and address the digital-to-analog convertor resolution reduction issue of frequency-domain digital pilots. In proof-of-concept experiments, we transmit a net 1-Tb/s probabilistic-shaped 256-ary quadrature amplitude modulated (PS-256-QAM) signal using a 3 MHz distributed feedback (DFB) laser. Our scheme improves bitrate by 41% compared to conventional time-domain pilots, achieving a record laser linewidth sum and symbol duration product of 6.89 × 10−5. This approach supports MHz linewidth DFB lasers in low-cost coherent optical communications. The authors propose a residual carrier modulation scheme to overcome laser phase noise in coherent optical systems. The method improves bitrate and spectral efficiency by 41% using low-cost lasers, and showcase potential in cost-sensitive scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a photoacoustic trace gas sensor based on a multi-pass enhanced open spherical photoacoustic cell (M-OPAC) was developed. A high-performance spherical photoacoustic (PA) cell was specially designed with high resonant frequency for suppressing various environmental noises, and integrated with a Herriot-type multi-pass optical system for enhancing PA signal. For evaluating the developed PA sensor system, details of theoretical simulation and experimental test were investigated for ambient water vapor (H2O) detection by utilizing a DFB diode laser with a central wavelength of 1391 nm, and wavelength modulation spectroscopy with second harmonic (WMS-2f) detection technique was employed. Compared to the conventional single-pass PA detection strategy, the developed multi-pass PA sensor shows a sensitivity enhancement of 4.3 times and demonstrates a good immunity to ambient noises. Moreover, the developed spherical open photoacoustic cell can be used for open monitoring of atmospheric adsorbent gases, which indicates a great potential for in-site and real-time gas monitoring without complex gas sampling procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) is a fundamental principle of laser dyes. ASE indicates the spectral variation of the optical gain of a laser dye. Analyzing the spectral distribution of ASE is important for designing lasers. We demonstrate ASE investigations on planar waveguides made of a (co-)polymer. Similar to organic DFB (distributed feedback) lasers, a line grating allows a partial decoupling of the guided radiation. This decoupled radiation is detected as an indicator of the guided radiation. The diffraction of the radiation is utilized to perform a spectrally selective investigation of the ASE by spatially splitting it. This analysis method reduces the influence of isotropic photoluminescence and allows ASE to be analyzed across its entire spectrum. We were able to observe ASE in F8BT over a range from λ A S E , m i n = 530 nm to λ A S E , m a x = 570 nm and determine ASE threshold power densities lower than E A S E < 2.57 μJ/cm2. The study of the power density of the ASE threshold is performed spectrally selectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of selective area growth (SAG) in a mature semi‐insulating buried heterostructure (SIBH) platform for the realization of photonic integrated circuits on monolithic InP has been demonstrated. A thorough determination of the relations between quantum well thickness, transition energies, and mask geometries is performed on dedicated wafers by means of extensive micro‐X‐Ray diffraction and microphotoluminescence measurements. Based on those results, SAG is used to grow, with a single epitaxy step, AlGaInAs multiple quantum wells heterostructures, to tailor the active regions of Fabry–Pérot and distributed feedback (DFB) lasers emitting in the O‐Band. SIBH DFB lasers are realized, exhibiting threshold currents < 7.2 mA (at 25 °C), and emitting over 100‐nm spectral range in the O‐Band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact three-band symmetrical triangular linearly frequency-modulated (TLFM) continuous-wave radar based on the gain-switched DFB laser is proposed in this paper. By introducing the low central-frequency TLFM signal with high-power to modulate the DFB laser, the DFB laser would enter into the gain-switching state and a coherent and stable three-band broadband TLFM signals (S-/C-/X-band) with a bandwidth of 0.4*N GHz (N = 1, 2, 3) would be generated after the photodetector. Based on this condition, one three-band TLFM continuous-wave radar system can be realized. The system does not require an external modulator in multi-band generation, and uses a single-channel transceiver module to achieve simultaneous transmission and echo dechirp processing of multi-band radar, which greatly reduces the deployment difficulty of the multi-band radar system, so the cost, size, weight and other characteristics of the system are expected to be reduced. In the current proof-of-concept experiment, the range resolution of the three-band TLFM signal can reach 13.8 cm, compared with the single-band TLFM signal which cannot distinguish the targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we demonstrated a distributed feedback fiber-laser- (DFB-FL) based ultrasound detection system with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), high sensitivity and wide frequency response range. The DFB-FL was fabricated by UV-inscribing a π phase-shifted grating in the Erbium–Ytterbium co-doped fiber using the phase mask method. The theory of DFB-FL and the sensing principle has been discussed and analyzed. The sensing signal was demodulated via an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) system. The experimental results showed that the sensitivity of the sensor reached 75.18 mV/kPa and the flat frequency response range covered over 30 MHz, which covered the ultrasonic detection frequency range of abnormal discharge in the electric power system. The SNR of this DFB-FL was 42.9 dB, and the corresponding noise-equivalent pressure was calculated as 0.12 kPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volume nanogratings imprinted by infrared femtosecond laser in oxide glasses exhibit a characteristic birefringent signature, which translates into measurable retardance. Upon thermal annealing, such signature is progressively erased, typical of nanograting erasure. In this work, we propose a procedure to predict the lifespan of nanogratings by two main approaches: 1/ numerical modeling of optical retardance ageing using the Rayleigh-Plesset equation, and 2/exploiting VAREPA (VAriable REaction PAthways) framework fed by simulated ageing data. By considering experimental time – temperature annealing conditions, the modeled retardance is gathered as a function of demarcation energy to build a so-called Master Curve and then compared to accelerated ageing experiments. The erasure constant rate k 0 can be determined for 8 commercial optical glasses. Based on a distributed Rayleigh-Plesset model, k 0 and activation energy distribution are linked to glass viscosity and its temperature dependency. Finally, we discussed the restrictions on VAREPA application for an accurate lifetime prediction. This work provides guidelines for the future development of nanogratings based devices and applications, including optical data storage, birefringent devices, and optical sensors, through a judicious choice of glass composition and associated properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The duty-cycle randomness (DCR) of the Bragg grating of the distributed feedback (DFB) lasers introduced by the fabrication process is inevitable, even with state-of-the-art technologies such as electron beam lithography and dry or wet etching.This work investigates the impact of grating DCR on DFB laser performance through numerical simulations. The result reveals that such randomness causes a reduction in the side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), and deteriorates the noise characteristics, i.e., broadens the linewidth and increases the relative intensity noise (RIN). With the grating DCR, the effective grating coupling coefficient decreases as evidenced by the reduced Bragg stopband width. However, the longitudinal spatial hole burning (LSHB) effect in the DFB lasers can somewhat be diminished by the grating DCR. The seriousness of these effects depends on different grating structures and their coupling strengths. Our simulation shows that a degradation of 17 dB can be brought to the SMSR of the uniform grating DFB lasers with their duty cycles taking a deviation of ±25% in a uniformly distributed random fashion. It also broadens the linewidth of the quarter-wavelength phase-shifted DFB lasers by more than 2.5 folds. The impact of this effect on the RIN is moderate—less than 2%. All the performance deteriorations can partially be attributed to the effective reduction in the grating coupling coefficient of around 20% by such a DCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impacts of mode hopping on the sensing performance of optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) and explores the potential for developing economical OFDR interrogators employing low-cost distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. By conducting numerical simulations, this study reveals that mode hopping has minimal effects on distance sensing measurements in free space due to the limited duration of beat interference signal at the incorrect frequency within the coherence length. Additionally, the simulations indicate that mode hopping only slightly affects the distributed strain sensing of OFDR, resulting in an error range of less than ± 1 µ ε when 100 µ ε is applied to the sensing fiber. These findings highlight the potential of using low-cost DFB lasers with a 1-nm wavelength sweep range and a 1-MHz linewidth as tunable laser sources in OFDR while maintaining reliable and accurate sensing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the accuracy of signal recognition in delay-based optical reservoir computing (RC) systems, this paper proposes the use of nonlinear algorithms at the output layer to replace traditional linear algorithms for training and testing datasets and apply them to the identification of frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR signals. This marks the inaugural use of the system for the identification of FMCW LiDAR signals. We elaborate on the fundamental principles of a delay-based optical RC system using an optical-injected distributed feedback laser (DFB) laser and discriminate four FMCW LiDAR signals through this setup. In the output layer, three distinct training algorithms—namely linear regression, support vector machine (SVM), and random forest—were employed to train the optical reservoir. Upon analyzing the experimental results, it was found that regardless of the size of the dataset, the recognition accuracy of the two nonlinear training algorithms was superior to that of the linear regression algorithm. Among the two nonlinear algorithms, the Random Forest algorithm had a higher recognition accuracy than SVM when the sample size was relatively small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The control of laser emission angles in laser devices is essential for many optoelectronic and photonic applications such as optical sensing and displays. In this context, we studied the light diffraction pattern of laser beams in a one-dimensional sampled distributed feedback resonator having organic gain media. The gratings consist of the repetition of supercells having a mixed-order sampled grating in which 1st-order gratings surround a 2nd-order grating. The experimental results showed that the diffraction angles of the laser beams are quite diverse depending on the supercell structures. We demonstrate that the interval of the diffraction angle (θ) of the laser beams is inversely proportional to the length of the supercell experimentally and theoretically. By tuning the length of supercells as well as the length of 1st-order and 2nd-order regions, the interval θ was tuned from 0.1° to 43° with the different arc emission patterns. With the reduction of θ, i.e., the longer 1st-order region, a significant decrease in the laser threshold was obtained, resulting in the lowest lasing threshold of 2.5 ± 0.1 μJ/cm2 with ∼3.5 ns of a long pulse width excitation source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel high‐performance dual‐resonance enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (DRE‐PAS) gas sensor based on a highly sensitive fiber optic cantilever beam microphone and a high‐Q spherical photoacoustic cell (PAC). The first‐order resonant frequency (FORF) of the spherical PAC is analyzed by finite element analysis to match the FORF of the cantilever microphone for the double resonance enhancement of the photoacoustic signal. The photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) system, including the DRE‐PAS sensor, a 1532.8 nm distributed feedback laser, and a high‐speed spectrometer, has been successfully exploited for trace acetylene (C2H2) detection. The experimental results show that the limit of detection (LOD) is 106.8 parts‐per‐billion (ppb) with an integral time of 1 s, and the LOD can be further reduced to 11.03 ppb by Allan‐Werle deviation for 100 s integral time. The normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient can be obtained as 2.44 × 10−8 cm−1 WHz−1/2. The reported DRE‐PAS gas sensor has the superior characteristics of photoacoustic signal enhancement, high sensitivity, and strong antielectromagnetic interference capability, which can provide a new solution for PAS development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend toward ever‐increased speeds for microelectronics is challenged by the emergence of heat‐wall, leading to the faltering of Moore's Law. A potential solution may be integrating microfluidic channels into silicon (Si), to deliver controlled amounts of cooling fluid and regulate hot spots. Such meandering microfluidic channels within other transparent materials already played significant roles, including in biomedical and sensor applications; however, analogous channel architectures do not exist in Si. Here, a novel method is proposed to fabricate buried microchannel arrays monolithically integrated into Si, without altering the wafer surface. A two‐step, laser‐assisted subtractive removal method is exploited, enabling fully‐buried multi‐level architectures, with control on the channel port geometry, depth, curvature, and aspect ratio. The selective removal rate is 750 µm per h per channel, and the channel inner‐wall roughness is 230 nm. The method preserves top wafer surface roughness of 2 nm, with significant potential for 3D integrated systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new epitaxial layer design with a double mode expander layer, high refractive index claddings, and an aluminum-free active area has been used to demonstrate distributed feedback lasers operating at 778.1 nm wavelength with reduced Lorentzian linewidth aimed at miniature atomic clock applications. The design also reduces the vertical beam divergence to improve the modal matching with optical fibers as well as maintain the high power output and reduce the emission linewidth. The lasers demonstrate single-mode operation with an over 35 dB side-mode suppression ratio, a power output ≤58 mW, a coupling efficiency to tapered fibers ≤40%, and a Lorentzian linewidth of 3.7 kHz. The performance allowed the free-running distributed feedback lasers to demonstrate spectroscopy of Rb vapor, which resolved the 85Rb and 87Rb two-photon transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comparative analysis of AlGalnAs buried heterostructure laser diodes by using dual-channel ridge-waveguides. Different shaped channels, including bowl shaped groove and vertical groove, are explored. Using a vertical groove structure, we achieved an output power of 90 mW at 25 °C with a threshold current of only 4 mA. This represents a 3.6-fold increase in output power compared to the BH-DFB structure. At a high temperature of 85 °C, the laser maintains a side-mode suppression ratio of over 45 dB at the maximum power point. The laser's relative intensity noise in the 0–40 GHz frequency range is less than −162.8 dB/Hz when operated at 300 mA with the chip butterfly packaged. These findings underscore the robustness, reliability, and high-performance capabilities of the developed DFB laser, highlighting its potential for various practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second‐order distributed feedback (DFB) resonators are widely used for thin‐film lasers as they combine low lasing thresholds with ease of manufacturing. Here, the grating design parameters are varied to map the lasing characteristics of lead halide perovskite films deposited on a single substrate that contains hundreds of high‐quality silicon nitride surface gratings. The lowest lasing threshold (≈130 µJ cm−2) is identified through the aid of near‐field and far‐field imaging spectroscopy in a four‐dimensional design space composed of grating period, duty cycle, active layer thickness, and cavity length. Moreover, it is shown that antisymmetric modes support high‐quality lasing (Q up to ≈10800) in the second‐order DFBs. The multi‐dimensional experimental analysis is accompanied by a thorough theoretical study with a semi‐empirical model based on coupled wave equations, which is used to investigate the lasing characteristics beyond the manufacturing range. The results can be applied to a broad range of thin‐film DFB resonators, enabling the design of more complex laser stack configurations including light‐emitting devices for current‐injection lasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high spatiotemporal variability of water vapor in the atmospheric boundary layer possesses a significant measurement challenge with abundances varying by an order of magnitude over short spatial and temporal scales. Herein, we describe the design and characterization of an economical and flexible fast-response instrument for measurements of water vapor the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The in-situ method of tunable-diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS) in the mid-infrared was chosen based on a heritage with previous instruments developed in our laboratory and flown on research aircraft. The instrument is constructed from readily available components and based on low-cost distributed feedback laser diodes (DFB) that enjoy widespread use for high-speed fiber-optic telecommunications. A pair of versatile, high-speed ARM-based microcontrollers drive the laser and acquire and store data. High precision and reproducibility are obtained by tight temperature regulation of the laser via a miniature commercial proportional integrating (PI) controller. The instrument can be powered by two rechargeable 3.5 V lithium-ion batteries, consumes less than 5 W, weighs under 1 kg, and is comprised of hardware costing less than $3,000. The new TDLS agrees within 2 % compared to a laboratory standard and displays a precision of 10 ppm at a sample rate of 10 Hz. The new instrument allows users with little previous experience in instrumentation to acquire high quality, fast-response observations of water vapor for a variety of applications. These include frequent horizontal and vertical profiling by uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), long-term eddy covariance measurements from fixed and portable flux towers, and routine measurements of humidity from weather stations in remote locations such as the polar ice caps, mountains, and glaciers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct laser writing is promising for fabrication of functional structures due to its high speed, low cost, and facile operation. However, high resolution is difficult to be implemented due to wet development-induced structural collapse. Ag-doped Sb4Te thin film is proposed for high-resolution direct laser writing dry lithography. The crystalline structures and binding environment of AgSb4Te thin films are investigated. The dry lithographic characteristics suggest that the developing selectivity of exposed to as-deposited film is as high as 17 under CHF3/O2 gas and the minimum linewidth of patterns can reach 80 nm via adjusting grating period. Developing selectivity mechanism is ascribed to exposure induced phase separation along with generation of Sb component and Ag7Te4 phases. The Sb component can be readily etched due to the lack of Ag atom protection and then etching of residual Ag7Te4 phase is further promoted while the uniformly distributed Ag atoms in as-deposited film restrain its etching. In addition, nanohole array is fabricated onto AgSb4Te thin films and tunable absorbance can be realized by adjusting pattern period and phase-change process. This work may provide a useful guide for the investigation of direct laser writing lithography mechanism and functional device fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planar feedback micro-nanoscale cavities, shaped by advances in nanofabrication, have revolutionized laser technology, giving rise to chip-scale, low-threshold lasers with wide-ranging applications, spanning from atmospheric investigation to incorporation into central devices such as smartphones and computer chips. The complicated designs of these cavities, shaped by the physics of periodic and quasiperiodic structures, empower efficient manipulation of light-matter interaction and coherent light coupling, minimizing losses. This review thoroughly explores the underlying concepts and crucial parameters of planar feedback microcavities, shedding light on the photophysical behavior of recent gain materials pivotal for realizing optimal lasing properties. The examination extends to photonic crystal bandgap (PhC BG) microcavity lasers, specifically with periodic and quasiperiodic architectures. In-depth assessments probe into the principles and designs of each architecture, exploring features such as wavelength selectivity, tuneability, lasing patterns, and the narrow linewidth characteristics inherent in distributed feedback (DFB) microcavity lasers. The review highlights the intriguing characteristics of non-radiative bound states in the continuum (BIC) within periodic architectures, emphasizing trends toward high-quality factors, low thresholds, and directional and vortex beam lasing. It also explores the nascent field of Quasiperiodic (QP) microcavity lasers, addressing challenges related to disorder in traditional periodic structures. Comparative inquiries offer insights into the strengths and limitations of each architecture, while discussions on challenges and future directions aim to inspire innovation and collaboration in this dynamic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In optical covert communication systems based on gain-switched distributed feedback semiconductor lasers, the trade-off between the modulation frequency and the spectral imperceptibility limits the bit rate of the secure channel. To improve the system performance in terms of the bit rate and covertness, optical time-division multiplexing is introduced to optical covert communication for the first time. The optical time-division multiplexed covert channel can work under both multiple-user and single-user conditions. The optical time-division multiplexed covert communication system is demonstrated via a system simulation. The results show that the covertness is enhanced by the optical time-division multiplexing in the spectral domain. The receiver sensitivity of the multiple-user condition is lower than the single-user one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrated the efficient employment of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) light sources in high speed dispersion compensation systems. VCSEL are compared with CW laser and distributed feedback laser in the modulated light output power, signal quality factor and minimum data error rates through the fiber system. Light signal base band modulated power is clarified with spectral frequencies after LiNb MZ modulators. Light signal base band modulated amplitude is simulated against base band time frequencies after LiNb MZ modulators. The total light signal index base band modulated power/amplitude value is estimated after LiNb MZ modulators for various light sources. The light signal base band modulated power is demonstrated with both spectral frequencies and time interval after fiber loop control length with compensation system. Total light signal index base band modulated power/amplitude value is estimated numerically after fiber loop control length with compensation system. The modulated electronic signal base band modulated power is indicated with spectral frequencies after PIN receiver. The light signal base band modulated amplitude is studied clearly against base band time frequencies after PIN receiver. The signal quality factor, BER, and modulated lighted output power are clarified and sketched against fiber system lengths for various light sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compact circularly‐polarized (CP) light sources are important for chirality‐based applications at the chip level. The CP light is conventionally generated by passing the linearly‐polarized (LP) one through quarter wave plates which are too thick for packed integrations. In this work, the in‐plane submicron phase shifter substitutes the quarter‐wave plate in the creation of CP light. After the lasing field of a holed microdisk is coupled into the nearby waveguide and phase shifter, it is guided into two grating couplers that output orthogonally LP waves vertically. The two LP waves are phase‐shifted by π/2$\pi /2$ and combine into the coherent CP radiation in the far‐field zone. Experimentally, the fabricated devices exhibit a degree of circular polarization as high as 74%. This device scheme is simple and effective in that it relies on no extrinsic materials, large‐area auxiliary structures, or specialized operation conditions critical for CP radiation. The compatibility issues for integrated photonic systems are of less concern in such schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study first demonstrates that the random distributed feedback fiber laser (RDFL) can be implemented for sensing detection by using the self-mixing effect as a sensing mechanism. By constructing a compact self-mixing velocimeter based on Er-doped RDFL with the integration of a laser, sensing element, and transmission platform, we successfully measured the minimum detectable feedback intensity of 38.65 fW for the velocity signal, corresponding to 0.55 photons per Doppler cycle, exhibiting ultra-high sensitivity dynamics characteristics. In addition, the velocity measurement of a non-cooperative target at a single-channel distance of 100 km is accomplished because of the natural feature of long-distance transmission for the random distributed feedback fiber lasers, which greatly improves the ultra-long detection range in the field of self-mixing sensing. The proposed sensing scheme not only unveils a fresh perspective on the exploration of random fiber laser sensing but also showcases its diverse and wide-ranging applications within the realm of remote sensing measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A distributed feedback laser with integrated quarter‐wave phase shift and more than 100 mW optical output power at an emission wavelength of 780 nm is presented. The laser provides mode‐hop‐free tuning over a wide range of injections currents and operating temperatures by design and can serve as an enabling component for more complex systems such as chips with additional monolithically integrated amplifiers, chip arrays and sources for hybrid integrated photonic circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photonic device market has a need for low‐cost, high‐resolution periodic patterning that scales with product maturity to large substrate sizes. Eulitha's DTL (Displacement Talbot Lithography) technology was limited to only a single exposure field per substrate on preexisting platforms which can fully pattern 100 and 150mm substrates. The new 'PhableS' is Eulitha's step‐and‐repeat solution to bring all the advantages of the DTL patterning to larger substrates. The PhableS tool builds on Eulitha's patented displacement Talbot lithography technology to open the way for customers to fully scale to high volume production. This tool retains the strong technical performance; including 60nm half pitch resolution (DUV version), 140x140mm2 single shot exposure field, large depth of focus (hundreds of microns), high throughput (+40wph), non‐contact, mask‐based patterning. Automated wafer and mask handling support industry expected repeatability and defect‐free patterning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generated in high‐Q optical microresonators, dissipative Kerr soliton microcombs constitute broadband optical frequency combs with chip sizes and repetition rates in the microwave to millimeter‐wave range. For frequency metrology applications such as spectroscopy, optical atomic clocks, and frequency synthesizers, octave‐spanning soliton microcombs generated in dispersion‐optimized microresonators are required, which allow self‐referencing for full frequency stabilization. In addition, field‐deployable applications require the generation of such soliton microcombs to be simple, deterministic, and reproducible. Here, a novel scheme to generate self‐emerging solitons in integrated lithium‐niobate microresonators is demonstrated. The single soliton features a broadband spectral bandwidth with dual dispersive waves, allowing 2f–3f self‐referencing. Via harnessing the photorefractive effect of lithium niobate to significantly extend the soliton existence range, a spontaneous yet deterministic single‐soliton formation is observed. The soliton is immune to external perturbation and can operate continuously for over 13 h without active feedback control. Finally, via integration with a pre‐programmed distributed feedback (DFB) laser, turnkey soliton generation is demonstrated. With further improvement of microresonator Q and hybrid integration with chip‐scale laser chips, compact soliton microcomb devices with electronic actuation can be created, which can become central elements for future LiDAR, microwave photonics, and optical telecommunications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femtosecond (fs) laser inscription technology allows for the production of in-fiber disordered structures with an enhanced level of Rayleigh backscattering with relatively few induced losses. These properties enable the application of these structures as reflectors in fiber lasers. In this study, a narrow-linewidth erbium fiber laser with random distributed feedback provided by a fs-induced random structure in a ring cavity configuration was developed. A single-frequency regime was observed over the entire lasing power range. At a maximum output power of 7.8 mW, the linewidth did not exceed 0.75 kHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-lens array (MLA) is widely used in various applications, such as imaging systems, light sources, optical sensors, and laser modulation. The traditional lithography method is a way to fabricate a micro-lens array while suffering from unavoidable drawbacks such as fixed-period patterns, high surface roughness, and small areas. Laser MLA lithography is a method that can direct write ~500, 000 micro-lenses in an area of 0.5 cm2 within 70 s. The period and pitch size could be arbitrarily changed with multiple lens structures including square, rectangle, and ring. With thermal reflow, the surface roughness of photo-resist could achieve lower than 5 nm. By reactive ion-etching (RIE), the patterns on photo-resist are successfully transferred onto a quartz substrate with a high depth-to-width ratio. This method paves a flexible new way to make multiple kinds of micro-lens arrays, used for photolithography, optical imaging, and focusing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pavlovian associative learning, a form of classical conditioning, has significantly impacted the development of psychology and neuroscience. However, the realization of a prototypical photonic neural network (PNN) for full-function Pavlov associative learning, encompassing both photonic synapses and photonic neurons, has not been achieved to date. In this study, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the first InP-based full-function Pavlov associative learning PNN. The PNN utilizes semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) as photonic synapses and the distributed feedback laser with a saturable absorber (DFB-SA) as the photonic spiking neuron. The connection weights between neurons in the PNN can be dynamically changed based on the fast, time-varying weighting properties of the SOA. The optical output of the SOA can be directly coupled into the DFB-SA laser for nonlinear computation without additional photoelectric conversion. The results indicate that the PNN can successfully perform brain-like computing functions such as associative learning, forgetting, and pattern recall. Furthermore, we analyze the performance of PNN in terms of speed, energy consumption, bandwidth, and cascadability. A computational model of the PNN is derived based on the distributed time-domain coupled traveling wave equations. The numerical results agree well with the experimental findings. The proposed full-function Pavlovian associative learning PNN is expected to play an important role in the development of the field of photonic brain-like neuromorphic computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the quest for the Organic Laser Diode, we present the multiscale fabrication process optimization of mixed-order distributed-feedback micro-cavities integrated in nanosecond-short electrical pulse-ready organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). We combine ultra-short pulsed electrical excitation and laser micro-cavities. This requires the integration of a highly resolved DFB micro-cavity with an OLED stack and with microwave electrodes. In a second challenge, we tune the cavity resonance precisely to the electroluminescence peak of the organic laser gain medium. This requires precise micro-cavity fabrication performed using e-beam lithography to pattern gratings with a precision in the nanometer scale. Optimal DFB micro-cavities are obtained with 300 nm thick hydrogen silsesquioxane negative-tone e-beam resist on 50 nm thin indium tin oxide anode exposed with a charge quantity per area (i.e., dose) of 620 µC/cm2, developed over 40 min in tetramethylammonium hydroxide diluted in water. We show that the integration of the DFB micro-cavity does not hinder the pulsed electrical operability of the device, which exhibits a peak current density as high as 14 kA/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flour is an essential ingredient in human daily diet, thus it is crucial to measure its moisture content. However, current detection methods are time‐consuming and labor‐intensive, hindering quick measurement. Here we demonstrate the measurement of moisture content in flour via gas in the scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) technique. A compact sensor that includes distributed feedback laser driver, cuvette, photodetector, analog lock‐in amplifier, and analysis processing module is developed. We measure the equivalent mean path length of various flour samples, and verify the measurement sensitivity of GASMAS by studying its dependence on moisture content. A linear relationship between path length and moisture content is established by least‐squares curve fitting, corresponding to a correlation coefficient of 0.996. Compared to the drying method, our method shows a maximum error range of 6.1% for all samples, providing a highly accurate and reliable measurement of water content in flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We proposed a near‐infrared gas sensing system based on mode‐locked cavity‐enhanced absorption spectroscopy. A distributed feedback fiber laser (DFB‐FL) with a central wavelength of 1550 nm was employed as the light source, coupling with a Fabry–Perot (F‐P) cavity with an effective optical path length of 42.7 m served as the gas cell. By utilizing a homemade mode‐locked electric circuit and Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) technique, the mode‐locking between the DFB‐FL and F‐P cavity was achieved with long‐term fluctuation of 3.2%. System performance was verified using ammonia as the analyte gas with a target line at 1550.17 nm. Allan variance analysis revealed that the minimum detection limit was 15.8 ppm with an averaging time of 216 s, corresponding to an absorption coefficient of 2.3 × 10−7 cm−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a sensor for the temperature measurement in the test section after the combustion chamber of an aero engine model by using direct absorption spectroscopy. Five distributed feedback diode lasers at near 1392, 1393, 1339, 1343, and 1469 nm are utilized as the light sources to detect H2O absorptions to improve the precision of temperature measurement combining with the Boltzmann plot method and the polynomial‐based spectral fitting model. The sensor shows a good performance in terms of its temperature measurement accuracy under high temperature of 673–1373 K and high pressure of 100–600 kPa condition in a tube furnace, which was lower than 4%. Moreover, three‐dimensional temperature distributions have been reconstructed via applying algebraic reconstruction technique at the test section after the combustion chamber of an aero engine model. The single‐point position temperature extracted from the algebraic reconstruction technique agrees well with that measured from the coherent anti‐stokes Raman scattering technique, where the relative error is within 5%. All the above results prove the reliability of our developed temperature sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hetero‐epitaxy for integration of efficient III‐V lasers on silicon can enable wafer‐scale silicon photonic integrated circuits, which can unleash the full advantages of silicon photonics in production on large silicon wafers with low cost, high throughput, and large bandwidth and large‐scale integration. In this work, efficient III‐V distributed feedback (DFB) lasers selectively grown on (001) silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) wafers are presented. The selective hetero‐epitaxy of sufficiently large areas of III‐V segments allows the demonstration of DFB lasers on the SOI wafer. The fabricated DFB lasers feature a co‐planar configuration with the Si layer, allowing for efficient coupling between III‐V lasers and Si waveguides. The unique III‐V‐on‐insulator structure also provides strong optical confinement for the lasers. Gratings are designed and fabricated with minimal non‐radiative recombination and a simple process with good tolerance. The optically pumped DFB laser has a low lasing threshold of around 17.5 µJ cm−2, stable single‐mode lasing at 1.5 µm, a side‐mode‐suppression‐ratio of over 35 dB, and a spontaneous emission factor of 0.7. The results here demonstrate a step forward towards wafer‐scale integration with monolithically grown lasers, thus outlining the prospect of fully integrated Si photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel control approach for integrated converters using Exact Tracking Error Dynamics Passive Output Feedback control and Exact Static Error Dynamics Passive Output Feedback control. By continuously injecting active distributed power systems (DPS) power sources into the utility grid and loads, the approach reduces harmonic current distortion and maintains unity for the grid's power factor. The paper compares existing control methods, such as P, PI, proportional–integral–derivative (PID), energy structuring and damping infusion and interconnection and damping assignment—passivity-based control and considers the impacts of instantaneous fluctuations in reference current elements on the AC side and oscillations in DC voltage generated by the DC-link voltage. Relevant switching state functions are designed, and if the maximum power can be fed exceeds the required power from grid-connected loads, the true, reactive, and harmonic current elements of loads are adjusted dynamically, resulting in in-phase sinewave grid currents. The performance analysis is performed using MATLAB/Simulink, and a smaller research prototype is built and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of nanotechnology and nanoscience is largely dependent upon nanopatterning and nanofabrication and it is commonly achieved by photolithography which has been evolved is last decade so that 90 nm and even 65 nm line-width can be achieved in the semiconductor industry i.e. digital manufacturing sector in recent times. Laser-assisted nanoimprint lithography is a process in which polymer is melted by a single excimer laser pulse followed by imprinted by a mould made of fused quartz. Present research work is focused on silicon materials and utilized a single KrF excimer laser pulse (248 nm wavelength and 30 ns pulse duration) as the heating source. Mathematical modelling is carried out on the basis of hybrid application of Duhamel's application and finite integral transform approach. The thermal field is investigated in both mould and substrate surface for different nanoscale process parameters. For the first time, most updated heat transfer model is employed in this arena as dual-phase-lag heat conduction model is universally accepted for application in microscale and nanoscale structures. The research outcome is successfully validated with the published research papers and the importance of multi-dimensional modelling in the arena of nanofabrication has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality silicon-based lasers are necessary to achieve full integration of photonic and electronic circuits. Monolithic integration of III–Vmicron lasers on silicon by means of the aspect ratio trapping (ART) method is a promising solution. To obtain sufficient optical feedback to excite the laser without introducing complex fabricating processes, we have designed a high-order surface grating on micron lasers which was epitaxially grown by the ART method and can be fabricated by common UV lithography. The performance of the grating was analyzed by the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and eigenmode expansion (EME) solver. After simulation optimization, the etching depth was set to 0.6 μm to obtain proper reflection. The width of the slots and the slot spacing were selected to be 1.12 μm and 5.59 μm, respectively. Finally, we obtained results of 4% reflectance and 82% transmittance at a 1.55 μm wavelength at 24 periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an FSK/ASK orthogonal modulation system based on a novel noncoherent detection (NCD) scheme, aimed at expanding the system capacity for short-reach optical communications cost-effectively. In the transmitter, the FSK optical signal is generated by simple frequency modulation through a directly modulated distributed feedback laser. Subsequently, by utilizing a Mach–Zehnder modulator for ASK modulation, the FSK/ASK optical signal is obtained. The novel and low-complexity NCD receiver consists of an intensity detection branch and a frequency detection branch. The frequency detection branch is composed of an optical differentiator, a photodetector, and frequency extraction circuits. Notably, the proposed NCD scheme overcomes the limitation of the traditional FSK/ASK-NCD receiver stemming from the trade-off between the detected signal quality of the amplitude and frequency. Furthermore, electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) is available. Through numerical simulations, our findings demonstrate that the proposed FSK/ASK-NCD system, assisted by EDC, achieves a remarkable 100 km transmission span for both 40 Gbps 2FSK/2ASK and 60 Gbps 2FSK/4ASK modulation formats, which surpasses the 2ASK-DD and the 4ASK-DD systems, where the maximum achievable spans are limited to less than 20 km. These results underscore the potential of the proposed system as a robust candidate for future passive optical access networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optofluidic dye lasers integrated into microfluidic chips are promising miniature coherent light sources for biosensing. However, achieving the accurate and efficient tuning of lasers remains challenging. This study introduces a novel pneumatically tunable optofluidic distributed feedback (DFB) dye laser in a multilayer microfluidic chip. The dye laser device integrates microfluidic channels, grating structures, and vacuum chambers. A second-order DFB grating configuration is utilized to ensure single-mode lasing. The application of vacuum pressure to the chambers stretches the soft grating layer, enabling the sensitive tuning of the lasing wavelength at a high resolution of 0.25 nm within a 7.84 nm range. The precise control of pressure and laser tuning is achieved through an electronic regulator. Additionally, the integrated microfluidic channels and optimized waveguide structure facilitate efficient dye excitation, resulting in a low pump threshold of 164 nJ/pulse. This pneumatically tunable optofluidic DFB laser, with its high-resolution wavelength tuning range, offers new possibilities for the development of integrated portable devices for biosensing and spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DFB diode laser at 1434 nm was used to detect the hydroxyl radical OH in the first overtone region. Experiments were made at the most intense line Q(3/2) of 2Π3/2 electronic term. Collisional broadening for He buffer gas was measured. Using reliably defined integrated intensity of this line and calculated line contour, the absorption cross section could be obtained for different pressures. This enables measurement of the absolute concentration of OH in time-resolved experiments without calibration. The minimum concentration of radicals detected by absorption is 2 × 1012 cm–3 with the resolving time approximately 10–6 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ge2Sb2Te5 thin film is investigated as a positive heat‐mode resist and environmentally friendly FeCl3 solution is as means an efficient developer. The corrosion selectivity of exposed to as‐deposited thin film reaches 2.3 and the etching selectivity of Si to Ge2Sb2Te5 thin film is as high as 15.75. Moreover, high‐resolution nanostructures with minimum linewidth of 180 nm and period of 400 nm are obtained along with high resolution of 130 nm. In addition, the mechanism of corrosion selectivity between as‐deposited and exposed thin film is further elucidated based on microstructural analysis. Hence, Ge2Sb2Te5 thin film is a promising positive resist for high‐resolution direct laser writing lithography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]