Journal Description
Photonics
Photonics
is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science and technology of optics and photonics, published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Optics)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journal: Lights.
Impact Factor:
2.1 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.1 (2023)
Latest Articles
1010 nm Directly LD-Pumped 6kW Monolithic Fiber Laser Employing Long-Tapered Yb3+-Doped Fiber
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111033 (registering DOI) - 2 Nov 2024
Abstract
Utilizing long-wavelength laser diodes (LDs) for pumping to achieve high-power fiber laser output is an effective method for attaining high quantum efficiency and excellent thermal management. In this work, we report on a Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA)-structured long-tapered Yb3+-doped fiber
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Utilizing long-wavelength laser diodes (LDs) for pumping to achieve high-power fiber laser output is an effective method for attaining high quantum efficiency and excellent thermal management. In this work, we report on a Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA)-structured long-tapered Yb3+-doped fiber laser directly pumped by long-wavelength laser diodes. By shifting the center wavelength of the pump source to 1010 nm, the heat generation within the fiber laser is effectively controlled, thereby increasing the transverse mode instability (TMI) threshold. Additionally, the use of a long-tapered fiber enlarges the mode area and suppresses stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effects that typically arise from increased fiber length. As a result, an output of 6030 W is achieved with an optical-to-optical (O–O) efficiency of 83.7%, a SRS suppression ratio exceeding 50 dB, and no occurrence of dynamic TMI. This approach provides a valuable reference for optimizing long-wavelength pumping to suppress nonlinear effects and also holds potential for wide-temperature operational applications.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Power Fiber Lasers)
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Open AccessArticle
An Objective Evaluation Method for Image Sharpness Under Different Illumination Imaging Conditions
by
Huan He, Benchi Jiang, Chenyang Shi, Yuelin Lu and Yandan Lin
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1032; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111032 - 1 Nov 2024
Abstract
Blurriness is troublesome in digital images when captured under different illumination imaging conditions. To obtain an accurate blurred image quality assessment (IQA), a machine learning-based objective evaluation method for image sharpness under different illumination imaging conditions is proposed. In this method, the visual
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Blurriness is troublesome in digital images when captured under different illumination imaging conditions. To obtain an accurate blurred image quality assessment (IQA), a machine learning-based objective evaluation method for image sharpness under different illumination imaging conditions is proposed. In this method, the visual saliency, color difference, and gradient information are selected as the image features, and the relevant feature information of these three aspects is extracted from the image as the feature value for the blurred image evaluation under different illumination imaging conditions. Then, a particle swarm optimization-based general regression neural network (PSO-GRNN) is established to train the above extracted feature values, and the final blurred image evaluation result is determined. The proposed method was validated based on three databases, i.e., BID, CID2013, and CLIVE, which contain real blurred images under different illumination imaging conditions. The experimental results showed that the proposed method has good performance in evaluating the quality of images under different imaging conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in Optical Design)
Open AccessArticle
Wavelength-Switchable 2 μm Single-Longitudinal-Mode Thulium-Doped Fiber Laser Based on Dual-Active Cavity and DLTCTR
by
Pengfei Wang, Qi Qin, Fengping Yan, Dandan Yang, Chenhao Yu, Junjie Hu, Xiqing Cao, Darui Xu, Peng Liu, Biao Guan and Ying Guo
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111031 - 1 Nov 2024
Abstract
A thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) with a dual-active cavity and a directly linked three-coupler triple-ring filter is designed and demonstrated. Its operational principle is analyzed, and a corresponding experimental setup is built. Eleven single-wavelength laser outputs with a single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) output near 2
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A thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) with a dual-active cavity and a directly linked three-coupler triple-ring filter is designed and demonstrated. Its operational principle is analyzed, and a corresponding experimental setup is built. Eleven single-wavelength laser outputs with a single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) output near 2 μm are obtained. The laser output covers a wavelength range from 1933.95 nm to 1971.76 nm, with a continuous switchable output range of 37.81 nm and a minimum center wavelength interval of 0.22 nm. The optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) of the output laser within the tuning range is >48.53 dB, and its maximum OSNR is 70.24 dB. The minimum wavelength fluctuation is 0.03 nm, and the power fluctuation is between 0.15 and 2.61 dB. A single wavelength with a center wavelength of 1933.95 nm is monitored for 75 min, and the radio-frequency spectrum is scanned 27 times within the frequency range of 0 to 400 MHz. The results demonstrate that the TDFL can operate continuously and stably in an SLM state. The linewidth and linewidth fluctuation of the TDFL are measured, and the minimum linewidth, corresponding to a measurement time of 0.001 s, is 65.14 kHz. The experimental results show that the proposed TDFL has a high OSNR and excellent wavelength-switching ability, and its SLM operation is very stable.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Single Frequency Fiber Lasers and Their Applications)
Open AccessArticle
High-Efficiency and High-Monochromaticity Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells Based on Optical Tamm States
by
Junwei Zhao, Senxuan Lin, Jinxin Zhou, Fuhao Gao, Jingfeng Liu, Yongbing Long and Haitao Xu
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111030 - 1 Nov 2024
Abstract
Semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) have garnered more interest and stand out as promising candidates for next-generation solar energy harvesters with their unique advantages. However, challenges remain for the advancement of colorful ST-OSCs, such as enhancing the light absorption and transmittance without considerable
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Semitransparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) have garnered more interest and stand out as promising candidates for next-generation solar energy harvesters with their unique advantages. However, challenges remain for the advancement of colorful ST-OSCs, such as enhancing the light absorption and transmittance without considerable power conversion efficiency (PCE) losses. Herein, an optical analysis of silver (Ag) electrodes and one-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) was conducted by simulations, revealing the presence of optical Tamm states (OTSs) at the interface of Ag/1DPCs. Furthermore, the spectral and electrical properties were fine-tuned by modulating the OTSs through theoretical simulations, utilizing PM6:Y6 as the active layer. The structural parameters of the ST-OSCs were optimized, including the Ag layer thickness, the central wavelength of 1DPCs, the first WO3 layer thickness, and the pair number of WO3/LiF. The optimization resulted in the successful development of blue, violet-blue, and red ST-OSC devices, which exhibited transmittance peak intensities ranging from 31.5% to 37.9% and PCE losses between 1.5% and 5.2%. Notably, the blue device exhibited a peak intensity of 37.0% and a PCE of 15.24%, with only a 1.5% loss in efficiency. This research presents an innovative approach to enhancing the performance of ST-OSCs, achieving a balance between high transparency and high efficiency.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Micro/Nano-Optics and Photonics)
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Open AccessArticle
All-Optical Encryption Controlled by Multiphotonic Absorption in Carbon Nanotubes
by
Alexia Lopez-Bastida, Cecilia Mercado-Zúñiga, Jhovani Bornacelli, José Manuel de la Rosa and Carlos Torres-Torres
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111029 - 31 Oct 2024
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This study presents an all-optical approach based on an XOR logic gate for encryption by interference and the assistance of multiphotonic effects exhibited by carbon nanotubes. We integrate a Michelson interferometer to propose the encryption system. The key innovation lies in the use
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This study presents an all-optical approach based on an XOR logic gate for encryption by interference and the assistance of multiphotonic effects exhibited by carbon nanotubes. We integrate a Michelson interferometer to propose the encryption system. The key innovation lies in the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to control the XOR operation through intensity-dependent nonlinear optical absorption. We introduce control based on nanosecond nonlinear optical absorption in MWCNT. By measuring irradiance propagation through thin-film samples of MWCNT, we demonstrate a threshold-based binary data recording system that is highly resistant to unauthorized access. The combination of interferometric response, MWCNT-based intensity control, and multicriteria decision analysis through nonlinear absorption presents a powerful and versatile approach to optical encryption. This method has the potential to be a base for secure communication systems and optical computing, with possible extensions to biological computing and microbiology. While challenges in power optimization and scaling remain, this research marks a significant step towards advanced, ultrafast encryption systems.
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Open AccessArticle
Two-Way Single-Photon Laser Time Transfer for High-Speed Moving Platforms
by
Xinyi Zhu, Yurong Wang, Zhaohui Li, Xue Li and Guang Wu
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1028; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111028 - 31 Oct 2024
Abstract
The two-way laser time transfer technology, based on single-photon detection, is among the techniques requiring the least weight and power consumption for ultra-long-distance clock synchronization. It holds promise as the most viable technology for high-accuracy inter-satellite clock synchronization, particularly for small satellites that
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The two-way laser time transfer technology, based on single-photon detection, is among the techniques requiring the least weight and power consumption for ultra-long-distance clock synchronization. It holds promise as the most viable technology for high-accuracy inter-satellite clock synchronization, particularly for small satellites that are highly sensitive to weight and power consumption. In this study, we analyze laser time transfer in fast-moving platforms and find that not only does the relative motion speed between platforms significantly impact the clock offset measurement, but also the components of each platform’s relative motion velocity are critical. We introduce a lightweight scenario for laser time transfer, capable of achieving high-precision and high-accuracy interstellar clock offset measurements within a 5000 km range using high repetition rate microchip lasers and single-pixel single-photon detectors. With a speed accuracy of ±0.06 m/s, the precision of clock offset measurement surpasses 3 ps at full width at half maximum (FWHM), making it suitable for high-speed and high-precision clock synchronization between near-Earth satellites.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Single-Photon Generation and Detection)
Open AccessArticle
Far-Detuning Laser Frequency Disturbance Suppression for Atomic Sensor Based on Intrinsic Fiber Fabry–Pérot Cavity
by
Guanghui Li, Lihong Duan, Xinxiu Zhou and Wei Quan
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111027 - 30 Oct 2024
Abstract
The method of laser far-detuned frequency locking is proposed based on a fiber Fabry–Perot cavity which transfers the ultra-stable atomic reference frequency stability to the target laser utilized for atomic sensors. The control transfer function of the closed-loop system is established to elucidate
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The method of laser far-detuned frequency locking is proposed based on a fiber Fabry–Perot cavity which transfers the ultra-stable atomic reference frequency stability to the target laser utilized for atomic sensors. The control transfer function of the closed-loop system is established to elucidate the process of perturbation suppression. It is illustrated that this method is robust against the disturbance to the laser and cavity by controlling the cavity with different parameters. After the long-term experimental test, the stability of the laser frequency locked on the fiber cavity achieves an Allan deviation of and the detuning of the nearest atomic frequency resonance point is more than 200 GHz. Its stability and detuning value exceed previous reports.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optically Pumped Magnetometer and Its Application)
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Open AccessArticle
Speed-Adaptive PI Collection and PP Adjustment in Indoor VLC Network
by
Yixin Chen, Guiyu Gong, Xiaoqi Wang, Chaoqin Gan and Shibao Wu
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1026; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111026 - 30 Oct 2024
Abstract
In this paper, a novel adjustment algorithm of the position-predicted period (PP) in an indoor visible light communication (VLC) network is proposed. The algorithm is adaptive to the movement speed. It contains two key parts: speed-adaptive position information (PI) collection and speed-adaptive PP
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In this paper, a novel adjustment algorithm of the position-predicted period (PP) in an indoor visible light communication (VLC) network is proposed. The algorithm is adaptive to the movement speed. It contains two key parts: speed-adaptive position information (PI) collection and speed-adaptive PP adjustment. By the user’s mobile characteristics, speed-adaptive PI collection is realized to lift prediction accuracy. By distribution characteristics of received power, speed-adaptive PP adjustment is achieved to avoid unnecessary predictions. By the access point (AP) selection, based on position prediction and the PP adjustment algorithm adaptive to movement speed, the user’s transmission quality under different movement speeds can be improved. Finally, by simulation, the effectiveness of this algorithm is demonstrated.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Communication and Network)
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Open AccessArticle
In Vivo Insights: Near-Infrared Photon Sampling of Reflectance Spectra from Cranial and Extracranial Sites in Healthy Individuals and Patients with Essential Tremor
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Antonio Currà, Riccardo Gasbarrone, Davide Gattabria, Giuseppe Bonifazi, Silvia Serranti, Daniela Greco, Paolo Missori, Francesco Fattapposta, Alessandra Picciano, Andrea Maffucci and Carlo Trompetto
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1025; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111025 - 30 Oct 2024
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Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a powerful non-invasive technique for assessing the optical properties of human tissues, capturing spectral signatures that reflect their biochemical and structural characteristics. In this study, we investigated the use of NIR reflectance spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis to distinguish
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Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a powerful non-invasive technique for assessing the optical properties of human tissues, capturing spectral signatures that reflect their biochemical and structural characteristics. In this study, we investigated the use of NIR reflectance spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis to distinguish between patients with Essential Tremor (ET) and healthy individuals. ET is a common movement disorder characterized by involuntary tremors, often making it difficult to clinically differentiate from other neurological conditions. We hypothesized that NIR spectroscopy could reveal unique optical fingerprints that differentiate ET patients from healthy controls, potentially providing an additional diagnostic tool for ET. We collected NIR reflectance spectra from both extracranial (biceps and triceps) and cranial (cerebral cortex and brainstem) sites in ET patients and healthy subjects. Using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression models, we analyzed the optical properties of the tissues and identified significant wavelength peaks associated with spectral differences between the two groups. The chemometric analysis successfully classified subjects based on their spectral profiles, revealing distinct differences in optical properties between cranial and extracranial sites in ET patients compared to healthy controls. Our results suggest that NIR spectroscopy, combined with machine learning algorithms, offers a promising non-invasive method for the in vivo characterization and differentiation of tissues in ET patients.
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Open AccessReview
Design and Characteristics of Photonic Crystal Resonators for Surface-Emitting Quantum Cascade Lasers
by
Kazuaki Sakoda, Yuanzhao Yao, Naoki Ikeda, Yoshimasa Sugimoto, Takaaki Mano, Takashi Kuroda, Hirotaka Tanimura, Shigeyuki Takagi, Rei Hashimoto, Kei Kaneko, Tsutomu Kakuno, Shinji Ohkuma, Ryuichi Togawa, Tetsuya Miyagawa, Hiroshi Ohno and Shinji Saito
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111024 - 30 Oct 2024
Abstract
We present our recent development of the surface-emitting quantum cascade laser with a PC (photonic crystal) resonator and a strain-compensated MQW (multiple quantum well) active layer operating at around 4.3 μm. We describe the laser performance mainly from the viewpoint of the design
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We present our recent development of the surface-emitting quantum cascade laser with a PC (photonic crystal) resonator and a strain-compensated MQW (multiple quantum well) active layer operating at around 4.3 μm. We describe the laser performance mainly from the viewpoint of the design and analysis of the PC resonators, which include both numerical calculations by FEM (finite element method) and analytical calculations using the k·p perturbation theory and group theory. We analyze the resonance quality factor, overlap factor, extraction efficiency, and far-field pattern, and show how the output power and beam quality have been improved by the appropriate design of the PC resonator.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Three-Decade Journey of Quantum Cascade Lasers)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Novel Application of Quantum Computing for Routing and Spectrum Assignment in Flexi-Grid Optical Networks
by
Oumayma Bouchmal, Bruno Cimoli, Ripalta Stabile, Juan Jose Vegas Olmos, Carlos Hernandez, Ricardo Martinez, Ramon Casellas and Idelfonso Tafur Monroy
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111023 - 30 Oct 2024
Abstract
Flexi-grid technology has revolutionized optical networking by enabling Elastic Optical Networks (EONs) that offer greater flexibility and dynamism compared to traditional fixed-grid systems. As data traffic continues to grow exponentially, the need for efficient and scalable solutions to the routing and spectrum assignment
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Flexi-grid technology has revolutionized optical networking by enabling Elastic Optical Networks (EONs) that offer greater flexibility and dynamism compared to traditional fixed-grid systems. As data traffic continues to grow exponentially, the need for efficient and scalable solutions to the routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) problem in EONs becomes increasingly critical. The RSA problem, being NP-Hard, requires solutions that can simultaneously address both spatial routing and spectrum allocation. This paper proposes a novel quantum-based approach to solving the RSA problem. By formulating the problem as a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) model, we employ the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) to effectively solve it. Our approach is specifically designed to minimize end-to-end delay while satisfying the continuity and contiguity constraints of frequency slots. Simulations conducted using the Qiskit framework and IBM-QASM simulator validate the effectiveness of our method. We applied the QAOA-based RSA approach to small network topology, where the number of nodes and frequency slots was constrained by the limited qubit count on current quantum simulator. In this small network, the algorithm successfully converged to an optimal solution in less than 30 iterations, with a total runtime of approximately 10.7 s with an accuracy of . Additionally, we conducted a comparative analysis between QAOA, integer linear programming, and deep reinforcement learning methods to evaluate the performance of the quantum-based approach relative to classical techniques. This work lays the foundation for future exploration of quantum computing in solving large-scale RSA problems in EONs, with the prospect of achieving quantum advantage as quantum technology continues to advance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Communication Networks: Advancements and Future Directions)
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Open AccessArticle
Calculation of Tool Offset and Tool Radius Errors Based on On-Machine Measurement and Least Squares Method in Ultra-Precision Diamond Turning
by
Yao Peng, Han Ding, Dong Zhang and Miao Luo
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111022 - 30 Oct 2024
Abstract
Metal mirrors will be widely used in the coming decades. Therefore, as one of the enabling technologies for metal optical freeform surface manufacturing, ultra-precision (UP) diamond turning error compensation has become a research hotspot. However, for the tool offset error and tool radius
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Metal mirrors will be widely used in the coming decades. Therefore, as one of the enabling technologies for metal optical freeform surface manufacturing, ultra-precision (UP) diamond turning error compensation has become a research hotspot. However, for the tool offset error and tool radius error, which are the main errors in UP diamond turning, no precise and efficient calculation method has been found in the literature. In this study, a more precise and efficient algorithm was developed and validated in three ways using on-machine measurement data and profilometer measurement data. After one compensation, the tool offset error can be reduced to below 0.1 μm, and the tool radius error can be reduced to below 1 micrometer, which will significantly improve the UP turning accuracy and efficiency of optical parts.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Precision Manufacturing and Testing: Technologies and Trends)
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Open AccessArticle
Concurrent Direct Inter-ONU and Upstream Communications in IMDD PONs Incorporating P2MP Flexible Optical Transceivers and Advanced Passive Remote Nodes
by
Wei Jin, Lin Chen, Jiaxiang He, Roger Philip Giddings, Yi Huang, Ming Hao, Md. Saifuddin Faruk, Xingwen Yi, Tingyun Wang and Jianming Tang
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111021 - 30 Oct 2024
Abstract
Driven by a large number of emerging diversified services, in the 5G and beyond era, concurrent direct inter-ONU and upstream communications inside a PON-based mobile access network are highly desirable to provide dynamic, ultra-dense, and fast ONU-to-ONU (without involving an OLT) and ONU-to-OLT
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Driven by a large number of emerging diversified services, in the 5G and beyond era, concurrent direct inter-ONU and upstream communications inside a PON-based mobile access network are highly desirable to provide dynamic, ultra-dense, and fast ONU-to-ONU (without involving an OLT) and ONU-to-OLT connections. To cost-effectively deliver highly dynamic and low latency direct inter-ONU communications, this paper proposes and experimentally demonstrates novel concurrent direct inter-ONU and upstream communications in an upstream 27 km, >62.47 Gbit/s IMDD PON. For supporting inter-ONU communications between a large number of ONUs, an advanced passive remote node is also proposed. Based on different passive optical components, this remote node can be implemented using two approaches, which can, respectively, reduce the inter-ONU signal power losses by >12.2 dB and >16.6 dB (for 128 ONUs) in comparison with existing inter-ONU communication techniques’ remote nodes. In each ONU and OLT, a single pair of cascaded IFFT/FFT-based point-to-multipoint (P2MP) flexible optical transceivers are employed to simultaneously and dynamically establish multiple ONU-to-ONU and ONU-to-OLT communications according to actual users’ requirements. Experimental results show that the proposed network has excellent robustness against various transmission system impairments, including chromatic dispersion, the Rayleigh and Brillouin backscattering effects, and the channel interference effects. For each ONU, dynamic channel allocation can be made without compromising its overall performance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Optical Communication and Network)
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Open AccessArticle
Photonic-Metamaterial-Based, Near-Field-Enhanced Biosensing Approach for Early Detection of Lung and Ovarian Cancer
by
Shuo Geng, Xuguang Zhang, Haiyan Liang and Yi Zheng
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1020; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111020 - 30 Oct 2024
Abstract
Early detection of lung and ovarian cancers relies heavily on identifying tumor biomarkers, but current methods require large blood samples and complex genetic testing. This study presents a novel photonic-metamaterial-based biosensing approach that leverages near-field radiative enhancement to detect cancer biomarkers (CA 125,
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Early detection of lung and ovarian cancers relies heavily on identifying tumor biomarkers, but current methods require large blood samples and complex genetic testing. This study presents a novel photonic-metamaterial-based biosensing approach that leverages near-field radiative enhancement to detect cancer biomarkers (CA 125, CEA, and CYFRA 21-1) with high sensitivity. By utilizing structured photonic metamaterials, we optimize specific wavelengths to identify these biomarkers in interstitial fluid, which can be easily collected via minimally invasive microneedle arrays. Integrating near-field interactions with wavelength-selective metamaterials amplifies the thermal response at the nanoscale, allowing for the detection of deficient concentrations of biomarkers. This photonic metamaterial technique provides a faster, more accessible, and affordable alternative to conventional blood-based methods, significantly improving early detection and monitoring of cancer. Ultimately, this approach offers a transformative tool for clinical and research applications in cancer diagnostics.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Metasurfaces: Applications and Trends)
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Open AccessCommunication
Generation of Wideband Signals Based on Continuous-Time Photonic Compression
by
Zhen Zhou, Yukang Zhang and Hao Chi
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111019 - 29 Oct 2024
Abstract
A detailed study on continuous-time photonic compression (CTPC) for generating wideband signals is presented in this paper. CTPC enables the conversion of parallel analog waveforms from multiple channels into a time-compressed continuous-time waveform with increased bandwidth. We demonstrate a CTPC system with a
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A detailed study on continuous-time photonic compression (CTPC) for generating wideband signals is presented in this paper. CTPC enables the conversion of parallel analog waveforms from multiple channels into a time-compressed continuous-time waveform with increased bandwidth. We demonstrate a CTPC system with a compression factor of two in a proof-of-concept experiment. Subsequently, the origin of the distortion in the generated signals is investigated, and we proposed a method based on bandpass filtering to remove the periodic dips observed in the generated waveforms. In addition, a predistortion method is proposed to eliminate the distortion caused by the non-ideal spectral property of the multichannel system. Further simulation results are presented to show the potential of the proposed approach.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in Microwave Photonics)
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Open AccessCommunication
All-Dielectric Dual-Band Anisotropic Zero-Index Materials
by
Baoyin Sun, Ran Mei, Mingyan Li, Yadong Xu, Jie Luo and Youwen Liu
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111018 - 29 Oct 2024
Abstract
Zero-index materials, characterized by near-zero permittivity and/or permeability, represent a distinctive class of materials that exhibit a range of novel physical phenomena and have potential for various advanced applications. However, conventional zero-index materials are often hindered by constraints such as narrow bandwidth and
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Zero-index materials, characterized by near-zero permittivity and/or permeability, represent a distinctive class of materials that exhibit a range of novel physical phenomena and have potential for various advanced applications. However, conventional zero-index materials are often hindered by constraints such as narrow bandwidth and significant material loss at high frequencies. Here, we numerically demonstrate a scheme for realizing low-loss all-dielectric dual-band anisotropic zero-index materials utilizing three-dimensional terahertz silicon photonic crystals. The designed silicon photonic crystal supports dual semi-Dirac cones with linear-parabolic dispersions at two distinct frequencies, functioning as an effective double-zero material along two specific propagation directions and as an impedance-mismatched single-zero material along the orthogonal direction at the two frequencies. Highly anisotropic wave transport properties arising from the unique dispersion and extreme anisotropy are further demonstrated. Our findings not only show a novel methodology for achieving low-loss zero-index materials with expanded operational frequencies but also open up promising avenues for advanced electromagnetic wave manipulation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Epsilon-Near-Zero Photonics)
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Open AccessArticle
Online Optical Axis Parallelism Measurement Method for Continuous Zoom Camera Based on High-Precision Spot Center Positioning Algorithm
by
Chanchan Kang, Yao Fang, Huawei Wang, Feng Zhou, Zeyue Ren and Feixiang Han
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111017 - 29 Oct 2024
Abstract
Ensuring precise alignment of the optical axis is critical for achieving high-quality imaging in continuous zoom cameras. However, existing methods for measuring optical axis parallelism often lack accuracy and fail to assess parallelism across the entire focal range. This study introduces an online
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Ensuring precise alignment of the optical axis is critical for achieving high-quality imaging in continuous zoom cameras. However, existing methods for measuring optical axis parallelism often lack accuracy and fail to assess parallelism across the entire focal range. This study introduces an online measurement method designed to address these limitations by incorporating two enhancements. First, image processing methodologies enable sub-pixel-level extraction of the spot center, achieved through improved morphological processing and the incorporation of an edge tracing algorithm. Second, measurement software developed using Qt Creator can output real-time data on optical axis parallelism across the full focal range post-measurement. This software features a multi-threaded architecture that facilitates the concurrent execution of image acquisition, data processing, and serial communication. Experimental results derived from simulations and real data indicate that the maximum average error in extracting the center of the spot is 0.13 pixels. The proposed system provides critical data for optical axis calibration during camera adjustment and inspection.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Optical Measurement Techniques and Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Numerical Verification of a Polarization-Insensitive Electrically Tunable Far Infrared Band-Stop Meta-Surface Filter
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Zheng Li, Yuying Lu, Yichi Han, Hanjie Li, Zhenqi Niu, Xiaomin Liu, Chaoyang Wei and Jianda Shao
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111016 - 29 Oct 2024
Abstract
Tunable filters have many potential applications in diverse fields, including high-capacity communications, dynamic beam shaping and spectral imaging. Although providing a high-performance solution for actively tunable devices, metasurface combined with tunable materials faces the great challenges of limited tuning range and modulation depth.
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Tunable filters have many potential applications in diverse fields, including high-capacity communications, dynamic beam shaping and spectral imaging. Although providing a high-performance solution for actively tunable devices, metasurface combined with tunable materials faces the great challenges of limited tuning range and modulation depth. Here, we propose a far-infrared tunable band-stop filter based on Fabry-Perot (FP) resonators and graphene surface plasmons. By switching the wavelength of the critical coupling condition of the filter via the gate voltage applied on graphene, achieving the dynamically tunable band-stop filtering at the central wavelengths from 12.4 μm to 14.1 μm with a modulation depth of more than 99%. Due to the symmetry of the proposed meta-atoms, the filter is insensitive to the polarization direction of the incident light. And it can realize more than 85% filtering efficiency within 60° angle of incidence around the vertical direction. By adjusting the geometry of the meta-atoms structure, it is feasible to move the operational range from the near-infrared to terahertz bands.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonics and Metamaterials)
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Open AccessArticle
The Design of Highly Reflective All-Dielectric Metasurfaces Based on Diamond Resonators
by
Zhongyang Xing, Jiahui Liao, Zhongjie Xu, Xiang’ai Cheng and Jiangbin Zhang
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1015; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111015 - 28 Oct 2024
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All-dielectric metasurfaces offer a low-loss alternative to plasmonic metasurfaces. We proposed the configuration for high-reflectivity all-dielectric metasurfaces based on single-crystal diamond (SCD) resonators on fused silica substrate and conducted simulations to optimize and analyze such a configuration via the FDTD solver. We utilized
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All-dielectric metasurfaces offer a low-loss alternative to plasmonic metasurfaces. We proposed the configuration for high-reflectivity all-dielectric metasurfaces based on single-crystal diamond (SCD) resonators on fused silica substrate and conducted simulations to optimize and analyze such a configuration via the FDTD solver. We utilized GMR as the design principle to select the configuration and the substrate material, and analyzed the scattering properties of a single SCD resonator by multipole decomposition. Then, we demonstrated that both the cylindrical resonators in square lattice and frustum-shaped resonators in hexagonal lattice can achieve near-unity reflectivity (>99.99%) and ultra-low absorption (<0.001%) at 795 nm, the typical alkali-metal laser wavelength. Additionally, we demonstrated that such a design is quite tolerant of fabrication errors and further supports its potential for realistic applications. To expand the functionality of such devices across multiple wavelengths, dual-band high-reflectivity metasurfaces at 744 nm and 828 nm were also designed. Our work is quite useful for designing diamond-based highly reflective mirrors, paving the way for low-loss all-dielectric reflective metasurfaces in high-power laser applications.
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Open AccessReview
Recent Advances in Organic Photodetectors
by
Jintao Zou, Shuo Zhang and Xin Tang
Photonics 2024, 11(11), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11111014 - 28 Oct 2024
Abstract
Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have garnered significant attention in fields such as image sensing, health monitoring, and wearable devices due to their exceptional performance. This review summarizes recent research advancements in materials, structures, performance, and applications of narrowband organic photodetectors, hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite photodetectors,
[...] Read more.
Organic photodetectors (OPDs) have garnered significant attention in fields such as image sensing, health monitoring, and wearable devices due to their exceptional performance. This review summarizes recent research advancements in materials, structures, performance, and applications of narrowband organic photodetectors, hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite photodetectors, flexible organic photodetectors (FOPDs), and photomultiplication type organic photodetectors (PM-OPDs). Organic semiconductors offer substantial potential in optoelectronic devices owing to their low cost, ease of processing, and tunable spectral response. Hybrid perovskite materials extend the spectral response range, FOPDs meet the demands of wearable devices, and PM-OPDs enhance sensitivity, allowing for the detection of weak light signals. Through innovations in materials, structural optimization, and improvements in manufacturing processes, the performance of OPDs has seen significant enhancement. This article also explores the application prospects of these technologies in medical monitoring, optical communications, and image sensing.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Photodetectors, Displays, and Upconverters)
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