Beam wandering statistics of twin thin laser beam propagation under generalized atmospheric conditions

Under the Geometrics Optics approximation is possible to estimate the covariance between the displacements of two thin beams after they have propagated through a turbulent medium. Previous works have concentrated in long propagation distances to provide models for the wandering statistics. These models are useful when the separation between beams is smaller than the propagation path-regardless of the characteristics scales of the turbulence. In this work we give a complete model for these covariances, behavior introducing absolute limits to the validity of former approximations. Moreover, these generalizations are established for non-Kolmogorov atmospheric models.

Dynamic light scattering optical coherence tomography

We introduce an integration of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high-resolution 3D imaging of heterogeneous diffusion and flow. DLS analyzes fluctuations in light scattered by particles to measure diffusion or flow of the particles, and OCT uses coherence gating to collect light only scattered from a small volume for high-resolution structural imaging. Therefore, the integration of DLS and OCT enables high-resolution 3D imaging of diffusion and flow. We derived a theory under the assumption that static and moving particles are mixed within the OCT resolution volume and the moving particles can exhibit either diffusive or translational motion. Based on this theory, we developed a fitting algorithm to estimate dynamic parameters including the axial and transverse velocities and the diffusion coefficient. We validated DLS-OCT measurements of diffusion and flow through numerical simulations and phantom experiments. As an example application, we performed DLS-OCT imaging of the living animal brain, resulting in 3D maps of the absolute and axial velocities, the diffusion coefficient, and the coefficient of determination.

Digital parallel frequency-domain spectroscopy for tissue imaging

Near-infrared (NIR) (650 to 1000 nm) optical properties of turbid media can be quantified accurately and noninvasively using methods based on diffuse reflectance or transmittance, such as frequency-domain photon migration (FDPM). Conventional FDPM techniques based on white-light steady-state (SS) spectral measurements in conjunction with the acquisition of frequency-domain (FD) data at selected wavelengths using laser diodes are used to measure broadband NIR scattering-corrected absorption spectra of turbid media. These techniques are limited by the number of wavelength points used to obtain FD data and by the sweeping technique used to collect FD data over a relatively large range. We have developed a method that introduces several improvements in the acquisition of optical parameters, based on the digital parallel acquisition of a comb of frequencies and on the use of a white laser as a single light source for both FD and SS measurements. The source, due to the high brightness, allows a higher penetration depth with an extremely low power on the sample. The parallel acquisition decreases the time required by standard serial systems that scan through a range of modulation frequencies. Furthermore, all-digital acquisition removes analog noise, avoids the analog mixer, and does not create radiofrequency interference or emission.

A fiber optic probe design to measure depth-limited optical properties in-vivo with low-coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS) spectroscopy

Low-coherence enhanced backscattering (LEBS) spectroscopy is an angular resolved backscattering technique that is sensitive to sub-diffusion light transport length scales in which information about scattering phase function is preserved. Our group has shown the ability to measure the spatial backscattering impulse response function along with depth-selective optical properties in tissue ex-vivo using LEBS. Here we report the design and implementation of a lens-free fiber optic LEBS probe capable of providing depth-limited measurements of the reduced scattering coefficient in-vivo. Experimental measurements combined with Monte Carlo simulation of scattering phantoms consisting of polystyrene microspheres in water are used to validate the performance of the probe. Additionally, depth-limited capabilities are demonstrated using Monte Carlo modeling and experimental measurements from a two-layered phantom.

Energy enhancement in time-reversed ultrasonically encoded optical focusing using a photorefractive polymer

Time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing achieves light focusing into scattering media beyond one transport mean free path, which is desirable in biomedical optics. However, the focused optical energy needs to be increased for broad applications. Here, we report the use of a photorefractive polymer (PRP) as the phase conjugate mirror in TRUE optical focusing. The PRP boosted the focused optical energy by ~40 times in comparison to the previously used photorefractive Bi12SiO20 crystal. As a result, we successfully imaged absorbing objects embedded in the middle plane of a tissue-mimicking phantom having an optical thickness of 120 scattering mean free paths.

Determination of the volume scattering function of aqueous particle suspensions with a laboratory multi-angle light scattering instrument

We describe a methodology for determining the volume scattering function β(ψ) of aqueous particle suspensions from measurements with a laboratory multi-angle light scattering instrument called DAWN (Wyatt Technology Corporation). In addition to absolute and angular calibration, the key component of the method is the algorithm correcting for reflection errors that reduce the percent error in β(ψ) from as much as ~300% to <13% at backward scattering angles. The method is optimized and tested with simulations of three-dimensional radiative transfer of exact measurement geometry including the key components of the instrument and also validated experimentally using aqueous suspensions of polystyrene beads. Example applications of the method to samples of oceanic waters and comparisons of these measurements with results obtained with other light scattering instruments are presented.

Optical shield: measuring viscosity of turbid fluids using optical tweezers

The viscosity of a fluid can be measured by tracking the motion of a suspended micron-sized particle trapped by optical tweezers. However, when the particle density is high, additional particles entering the trap compromise the tracking procedure and degrade the accuracy of the measurement. In this work we introduce an additional Laguerre-Gaussian, i.e. annular, beam surrounding the trap, acting as an optical shield to exclude contaminating particles.

Effects of modulation phase of ultrasound-modulated light on the ultrasound-modulated optical image in turbid media

In this paper, our investigations suggest that the modulation phase of ultrasound-modulated light escaping from the different locations in the ultrasonic field is different. In turbid media, the modulation phase causes the ultrasound-modulated light intensity collected outside the media to fluctuate. However, the ultrasound-modulated optical technology uses the ultrasound-modulated light signals to image. Consequently, the modulation phase affects the quality of ultrasound-modulated optical imaging.

Effect of depth dependent spherical aberrations in 3D structured illumination microscopy

We model the effect of depth dependent spherical aberration caused by a refractive index mismatch between the mounting and immersion mediums in a 3D structured illumination microscope (SIM). We first derive a forward model that takes into account the effect of the depth varying aberrations on both the illumination and the detection processes. From the model, we demonstrate that depth dependent spherical aberration leads to loss of signal only due to its effect on the detection response of the system, while its effect on illumination leads to phase shifts between orders that can be handled computationally in the reconstruction process. Further, by using the model, we provide guidelines for optical corrections of aberrations with different complexities, and explain how the proposed corrections simplify the forward model. Finally, we show that it is possible to correct both illumination and detection aberrations using a deformable mirror only on the detection path of the microscope.

Easy-use and low-cost fiber-based two-color dynamic light-scattering apparatus

We present a small and compact two-color cross-correlation light-scattering setup designed to study the structure and dynamics of colloidal suspensions in the regime of considerable turbidity. Using a homemade concentric four-arm goniometer, combined with fiber-optical illumination and detection devices, allows an easy and long time stable alignment-even under a temperature variation of ∼5 °C. Tests with a nearly multiple scattering free suspension of small Rayleigh scatterers show intercepts in cross correlation near 0.4 over a wide range of scattering angles from 20° to 150°. Measuring slightly turbid samples in cross-correlation mode multiple scattering is sufficiently suppressed allowing the determination of multiple scattering free dynamic structure factors as well as particle form factors.

Phytoplankton light absorption of cultures and natural samples: comparisons using two spectrophotometers

Here we present laboratory measurements of phytoplankton absorption for cultures and natural water samples using two different spectrophotometers, an Ultrapath system and a double beam spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere (Lambda 850). The Ultrapath system provides simplified optics with high throughput efficiency, portability, and is relatively less expensive in comparison to conventional spectrophotometers. A more robust algorithm for correction of pathlength amplification (β) for particles retained on filter paper was determined for Lambda 850 in comparison to the Ultrapath. The Lambda 850 β algorithm (ODs(λ) = 0.405 [ODf(λ)] + 0.475 [ODf(λ)]2; r2 = 0.973; n = 7395) showed species and size dependence as indicated by the LISST 100X and HPLC chlorophyll-a concentration data. A better agreement was observed between the two spectrophotometers for filter paper measurements (r2 = 0.991; slope = 0.958; n = 130 for cultures and r2 = 0.978; slope = 0.957; n = 349 for natural samples), than for suspensions (r2 = 0.960; slope = 0.915; n = 92 for cultures and r2 = 0.960; slope = 0.921; n = 27 for natural samples). The differences in measurement of suspensions between the spectrophotometers could be attributed to volume scattering function and acceptance angle of the waveguide detector.

Optical penetration-based silkworm pupa gender sensor structure

This paper proposes and experimentally demonstrates for what is believed to be the first time a highly sought-after optical structure for highly-accurate identification of the silkworm pupa gender. The key idea is to exploit a long wavelength optical beam in the red or near infrared spectrum that can effectively and safely penetrate the body of a silkworm pupa. Later on, simple image processing operations via image thresholding, blob filtering, and image inversion processes are applied in order to eliminate the unwanted image noises and at the same time highlight the gender gland. Experimental proof of concept using three 636 nm wavelength light emitting diodes, a two-dimensional web camera, an 8 bit microcontroller board, and a notebook computer shows a very high 95.6% total accuracy in identifying the gender of 45 silkworm pupae with a measured fast identification time of 96.6 ms. Other key features include low cost, low component counts, and ease of implementation and control.

Three-dimensional scanning microscopy through thin turbid media

We demonstrate three-dimensional imaging through a thin turbid medium using digital phase conjugation of the second harmonic signal emitted from a beacon nanoparticle. The digitally phase-conjugated focus scans the volume in the vicinity of its initial position through numerically manipulated phase patterns projected onto the spatial light modulator. Accurate three dimensional images of a fluorescent sample placed behind a turbid medium are obtained.

A simple method to measure critical angles for high-sensitivity differential refractometry

A total internal reflection-based differencial refractometer, capable of measuring the real and imaginary parts of the complex refractive index in real time, is presented. The device takes advantage of the phase difference acquired by s- and p-polarized light to generate an easily detectable minimum at the reflected profile. The method allows to sensitively measuring transparent and turbid liquid samples.

Non-contact time-resolved diffuse reflectance imaging at null source-detector separation

We report results of the proof-of-principle tests of a novel non-contact tissue imaging system. The system utilizes a quasi-null source-detector separation approach for time-domain near-infrared spectroscopy, taking advantage of an innovative state-of-the-art fast-gated single photon counting detector. Measurements on phantoms demonstrate the feasibility of the non-contact approach for the detection of optically absorbing perturbations buried up to a few centimeters beneath the surface of a tissue-like turbid medium. The measured depth sensitivity and spatial resolution of the new system are close to the values predicted by Monte Carlo simulations for the inhomogeneous medium and an ideal fast-gated detector, thus proving the feasibility of the non-contact approach for high density diffuse reflectance measurements on tissue. Potential applications of the system are also discussed.

Iterative approach to self-adapting and altitude-dependent regularization for atmospheric profile retrievals

In this paper we present the IVS (Iterative Variable Strength) method, an altitude-dependent, self-adapting Tikhonov regularization scheme for atmospheric profile retrievals. The method is based on a similar scheme we proposed in 2009. The new method does not need any specifically tuned minimization routine, hence it is more robust and faster. We test the self-consistency of the method using simulated observations of the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS). We then compare the new method with both our previous scheme and the scalar method currently implemented in the MIPAS on-line processor, using both synthetic and real atmospheric limb measurements. The IVS method shows very good performances.

Scattering signatures of suspended particles: an integrated system for combining digital holography and laser diffraction

The use of laser diffraction is now common practice for the determination of an in situ particle size distribution in the marine environment. However, various imaging techniques have shown that particles vary greatly in shape, leading to uncertainty in the response of laser diffraction instruments when subjected to this diverse range of complex particles. Here we present a novel integrated system which combines both digital in-line holography and a LISST-100 type C, to simultaneously record in-focus images of artificial and natural particles with their small-angle forward scattering signature. The system will allow for further development of a reliable alternative to Mie Theory when using laser diffraction for the in situ measurement of complex suspended particles. A more detailed knowledge of the performance of laser diffraction when subjected to the wide variety of complex particles found in the marine environment will then be possible.

Rayleigh scattering measurements of several fluorocarbon gases

Integrating nephelometers are commonly used to monitor airborne particulate matter. However, they must be calibrated prior to use. The Rayleigh scattering coefficients (b(RS), Mm(-1)), scattering cross sections (σ(RS), cm(2)), and Rayleigh multipliers for tetrafluoromethane (R-14), sulfur hexafluoride, pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), hexafluoropropene (HFC-216), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3,-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), and octafluorocyclobutane (C-318) are reported from measurements made using a Radiance Research M903 integrating nephelometer operating at λ = 530 nm and calibration with gases of known scattering constants. Rayleigh multipliers (±90% conf. int.) were found to be 2.6 ± 0.5, 6.60 ± 0.07, 7.5 ± 1, 14.8 ± 0.9, 15.6 ± 0.5, and 22.3 ± 0.8 times that of air, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reported values for R-14, HFC-216, HFC-125, and C-318. Experimental accuracy is supported through measurements of values for SF(6) and HFC-227ea which agree to within 3% of previous literature reports. In addition to documenting fundamental Rayleigh scattering data for the first time, the information presented within will find use for calibration of optical scattering sensors such as integrating nephelometers.

Enhancement of imaging depth in turbid media using a wide area detector

The depth of two-photon fluorescence imaging in turbid media can be significantly enhanced by the use of the here described fluorescence detection method that allows to efficiently collect scattered fluorescence photons from a wide area of the turbid sample. By using this detector we were able to perform imaging of turbid samples, simulating brain tissue, at depths up to 3 mm, where the two-photon induced fluorescence signal is too weak to be detected by means used in conventional two-photon microscopy.

Signal detectability in diffusive media using phased arrays in conjunction with detector arrays

We investigate Hotelling observer performance (i.e., signal detectability) of a phased array system for tasks of detecting small inhomogeneities and distinguishing adjacent abnormalities in uniform diffusive media. Unlike conventional phased array systems where a single detector is located on the interface between two sources, we consider a detector array, such as a CCD, on a phantom exit surface for calculating the Hotelling observer detectability. The signal detectability for adjacent small abnormalities (2 mm displacement) for the CCD-based phased array is related to the resolution of reconstructed images. Simulations show that acquiring high-dimensional data from a detector array in a phased array system dramatically improves the detectability for both tasks when compared to conventional single detector measurements, especially at low modulation frequencies. It is also observed in all studied cases that there exists the modulation frequency optimizing CCD-based phased array systems, where detectability for both tasks is consistently high. These results imply that the CCD-based phased array has the potential to achieve high resolution and signal detectability in tomographic diffusive imaging while operating at a very low modulation frequency. The effect of other configuration parameters, such as a detector pixel size, on the observer performance is also discussed.

Photoacoustic-guided convergence of light through optically diffusive media

We demonstrate that laser beams can be converged toward a light-absorbing target through optically diffusive media by using photoacoustic-guided interferometric focusing. The convergence of light is achieved by shaping the wavefront of the incident light with a deformable mirror to maximize the photoacoustic signal, which is proportional to the scattered light intensity at the light absorber.

Method for quantitative analysis of flocculation performance

The sedimentation rate and the post-sedimentation residual turbidity of flocculated suspensions are properties central to the design and operation of unit processes following flocculation in a water treatment plant. A method for comparing flocculation performance based on these two properties is described. The flocculation residual turbidity analyzer (FReTA) records the turbidity of flocculent suspensions undergoing quiescent settling. The fixed distance across which flocs must travel to clear the measurement volume allows sedimentation velocity distributions of the flocculent suspension to be calculated from the raw turbidity data. By fitting the transformed turbidity data with a modified gamma distribution, the mean and variance of sedimentation velocity can be obtained along with the residual turbidity after a period of settling. This new analysis method can be used to quantitatively compare how differences in flocculator operating conditions affect the sedimentation velocity distribution of flocs as well as the post-sedimentation residual turbidity.

Measuring translational, rotational, and vibrational dynamics in colloids with digital holographic microscopy

We discuss a new method for simultaneously probing translational, rotational, and vibrational dynamics in dilute colloidal suspensions using digital holographic microscopy (DHM). We record digital holograms of clusters of 1-μm-diameter colloidal spheres interacting through short-range attractions, and we fit the holograms to an exact model of the scattering from multiple spheres. The model, based on the T-matrix formulation, accounts for multiple scattering and near-field coupling. We also explicitly account for the non-asymptotic radial decay of the scattered fields, allowing us to accurately fit holograms recorded with the focal plane located as little as 15 μm from the particle. Applying the fitting technique to a time-series of holograms of Brownian dimers allows simultaneous measurement of six dynamical modes - three translational, two rotational, and one vibrational - on timescales ranging from 10(-3) to 1 s. We measure the translational and rotational diffusion constants to a precision of 0.6%, and we use the vibrational data to measure the interaction potential between the spheres to a precision of ∼50 nm in separation distance. Finally, we show that the fitting technique can be used to measure dynamics of clusters containing three or more spheres.

Path-length resolved reflectance in tendon and muscle

Optical diffuse reflectance in fibrous tissues depends on measurement angles in relation to fiber orientation. In this study, path-length resolved optical reflectance was measured in tendon and skeletal muscle samples using a low-coherence Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The results show that the angular dependency in reflectance was eliminated in tendon tissue when representing reflectance as a function of mean path-length. Our analysis indicated that this observation can be understood in the frame work of anisotropic diffuse theory. However the same phenomenon was not observed in muscles, suggesting involvement of additional scattering mechanisms.

Imaging beyond the ballistic limit in coherence imaging using multiply scattered light

We present an imaging system based on low coherence interferometric detection of multiply scattered light for extended depth imaging into highly scattering media. By incorporating angle-resolved detection, coherence imaging with multiply scattered photons is shown to be both feasible and potentially superior to existing techniques for performing time-resolved measurements of scattered light. Imaging is demonstrated through nearly 100 mean free paths of scattering phantom in a single-ended geometry. The resolution and imaging contrast are compared to those obtained with conventional OCT systems which chiefly detect singly scattered light.