This paper introduces a calibration approach for a line-structured optical system, utilizing a hinge-connected double-checkerboard stereo target. Randomly, the target shifts to multiple positions and orientations throughout the area of the camera's spatial measurements. Using a single image of the targeted object illuminated by lines of light, the 3D coordinates of the illuminated feature points are computed by employing the external parameter matrix correlating the plane of the target with the coordinate system of the camera. Following denoising, the coordinate point cloud is utilized to generate a quadratic fit of the light plane. Compared to the traditional line-structured measurement system, the proposed method enables dual calibration image acquisition simultaneously, thus demanding only a single line-structured light image to accomplish light plane calibration. System calibration efficiency, characterized by high accuracy, is not limited by the lack of strict rules for the target pinch angle and placement. The experimental outcomes substantiate that the maximum root-mean-square error for this methodology is 0.075mm. This approach is both simpler and more effective in meeting the technical standards for industrial 3D measurement.

A proposed four-channel all-optical wavelength conversion system, leveraging the four-wave mixing from a directly modulated three-section monolithically integrated semiconductor laser, is experimentally verified, demonstrating high efficiency. To demonstrate the functionality of this wavelength conversion unit, the wavelength spacing is adjustable via laser bias current tuning, and a 0.4 nm (50 GHz) demonstration setting is employed in this study. During an experiment, a 50 Mbps 16-QAM signal with a center frequency within the 4-8 GHz band was switched to a designated path. Conversion efficiency, between -2 and 0 dB, is contingent upon the wavelength-selective switch's function in determining up- or downconversion. A novel photonic radio-frequency switching matrix technology is introduced through this work, contributing to the integration of satellite transponder systems.

This new alignment method, contingent on relative measurements, is presented, utilizing an on-axis test setup featuring a pixelated camera and a monitor for its implementation. Utilizing a combined deflectometry and sine condition test procedure, the new method circumvents the necessity of relocating a test instrument across multiple field points, enabling simultaneous assessment of alignment based on both off-axis and on-axis system performance. Importantly, it can be a highly economical method for particular projects, acting as a monitor and potentially replacing the return optic and interferometer with a camera instead of relying on the traditional interferometric techniques. A meter-class Ritchey-Chretien telescope aids in the exposition of the recently developed alignment methodology. Moreover, we define a new metric, the Metric for Misalignment Indices (MMI), representing the wavefront error introduced by system misalignment. To validate the concept, simulations employ a poorly aligned telescope as a starting point. This demonstrates the method's superior dynamic range when compared to the interferometric one. Even under conditions characterized by practical noise levels, the new alignment method showcases a noteworthy two-order-of-magnitude improvement in the final MMI score following three alignment iterations. Perturbed telescope models initially exhibited a measurement of approximately 10 meters, but alignment procedures considerably refine the measurement to a pinpoint accuracy of one-tenth of a micrometer.

The fifteenth Optical Interference Coatings (OIC) topical meeting, held in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, spanned from June 19th to June 24th, 2022. This collection of selected papers from the conference constitutes this Applied Optics feature issue. Triennially, the OIC topical meeting acts as a significant juncture for the worldwide community dedicated to the study and application of optical interference coatings. Participants at the conference gain unparalleled access to opportunities for knowledge sharing on their innovative research and development achievements and creating strong connections for future partnerships. The meeting's themes range widely, from the foundational research on coating design and material science to the advanced technologies in deposition and characterization, and ultimately exploring a multitude of applications, such as sustainable technologies, aerospace engineering, gravitational wave research, communication systems, optical instruments, consumer electronics, high-power laser systems, and ultrafast lasers, and others.

This research investigates scaling up the output pulse energy in a 173 MHz Yb-doped fiber oscillator with all-polarization-maintaining properties, via the implementation of a 25 m core-diameter large-mode-area fiber. In polarization-maintaining fibers, non-linear polarization rotation is made possible by the artificial saturable absorber, which is based on a Kerr-type linear self-stabilized fiber interferometer. Demonstrated within a soliton-like operation regime, highly stable mode-locked steady states yield an average output power of 170 milliwatts and a total pulse energy of 10 nanojoules, equally distributed between two output ports. Experimental parameter analysis against a reference oscillator, constructed from 55 meters of standard fiber components, each with a specified core size, revealed a 36-fold increase in pulse energy and a concurrent decrease in intensity noise in the high-frequency domain, exceeding 100kHz.

A microwave photonic filter (MPF) is modified and augmented by the addition of two unique structures, creating a higher-performing device called a cascaded microwave photonic filter. An experimentally validated high-Q cascaded single-passband MPF is introduced, employing stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and an optical-electrical feedback loop (OEFL). In the SBS experiment, a tunable laser provides the pump light. The pump light's Brillouin gain spectrum amplifies the phase modulation sideband, which is then compressed by the narrow linewidth OEFL, reducing the MPF's passband width. Through careful wavelength adjustment of the pump and precise tuning of the optical delay line, a high-Q cascaded single-passband MPF demonstrates stable tuning characteristics. The results show that the MPF exhibits a high degree of selectivity at high frequencies, along with a broad frequency tuning range. selleck Concerning the filtering bandwidth, it is capable of reaching up to 300 kHz; the out-of-band suppression level exceeds 20 dB; the maximum attainable Q-value is 5,333,104; and the center frequency's adjustable range is between 1 and 17 GHz. The cascaded MPF, as we propose it, excels not only in achieving a superior Q-value, but also in tunability, high out-of-band rejection, and robust cascading performance.

The utility of photonic antennas is undeniable in applications spanning spectroscopy, photovoltaics, optical communication systems, holography, and sensor design. While the small size of metal antennas makes them attractive, their integration with CMOS technology remains a significant hurdle. selleck The integration of all-dielectric antennas with silicon waveguides is relatively straightforward, however, they tend to occupy more physical space. selleck We suggest a design for a compact, highly efficient semicircular dielectric grating antenna in this work. In the wavelength band extending from 116 to 161m, the antenna's key size is limited to 237m474m, yet its emission efficiency remains above 64%. The antenna, to the best of our knowledge, introduces a novel method for three-dimensional optical interconnections connecting distinct levels of integrated photonic circuits.

Proposing a method to employ a pulsed solid-state laser for inducing structural color alterations on metal-coated colloidal crystal surfaces, predicated on adjusting the scanning rate. Different stringent geometrical and structural parameters are essential for achieving vibrant cyan, orange, yellow, and magenta colors. An investigation into the optical properties of samples is undertaken, focusing on the relationship between laser scanning speeds and polystyrene particle sizes, and including a discussion on the angle-dependent nature of the properties. Subsequently, the reflectance peak exhibits a progressive redshift correlated with an escalating scanning speed, from 4 mm/s to 200 mm/s, employing 300 nm PS microspheres. Experimental studies also consider the influence of the microsphere particle's size and the angle at which the particles are struck. Two reflection peak positions of 420 and 600 nm PS colloidal crystals underwent a blue shift when the laser pulse scanning speed decreased from 100 mm/s to 10 mm/s and the incident angle was augmented from 15 to 45 degrees. This research forms a crucial, low-priced stage toward implementing applications in environmentally responsible printing, anti-counterfeiting measures, and other associated fields.

An all-optical switch, based on the optical Kerr effect in optical interference coatings, embodies a novel concept, as far as we know. Employing the amplified internal intensity within thin film coatings, along with highly nonlinear material integration, facilitates a novel approach for self-induced optical switching. The paper provides an understanding of the layer stack's design, the application of appropriate materials, and the evaluation of the manufactured components' switching characteristics. A 30 percent modulation depth has been accomplished, setting the stage for future mode-locking applications.

The temperature at which thin-film deposition processes can commence is constrained by the chosen coating technology and the duration of the process itself, usually exceeding the standard room temperature. In conclusion, the processing of materials that are sensitive to heat and the modification of thin-film layouts are restricted. Due to the nature of low-temperature deposition processes, active substrate cooling is necessary. A study was conducted to evaluate the impact of low substrate temperature variations on the characteristics of thin films during ion beam sputtering. Optical losses are lower, and laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDT) are higher in SiO2 and Ta2O5 films cultivated at 0°C in comparison to those grown at 100°C.