Single-shot stand-off chemical identification of powders using random Raman lasing

Single-Shot Standoff Hyperspectral Raman Imaging of a Chemical Warfare Agent Simulant

We demonstrate single-shot standoff hyperspectral Raman imaging of liquid diisopropyl methylphosphonate at a standoff distance of 1 m using two different techniques: multi-bandpass filter imaging (MBFI) and fiber-bundle imaging spectroscopy (FBIS). We find that MBFI has good spatial resolution, but poor spectral resolution, due to the limitations of commercially available bandpass filters. On the other hand, we find FBIS to have excellent spectral resolution, but limited spatial resolution due to the relatively small number of fibers in a bundle. For FBIS, we also determine, for a 1 m standoff distance, a minimum pump fluence of 10 mJ/cm2 to obtain good single-shot spectra.

Direct Measurement of the Reduced Scattering Coefficient by a Calibrated Random Laser Sensor

The research in optical sensors has been largely encouraged by the demand for low-cost and less or non-invasive new detection strategies. The invention of the random laser has opened a new frontier in optics, providing also the opportunity to explore new possibilities in the field of sensing, besides several different and peculiar phenomena. The main advantage in exploiting the physical principle of the random laser in optical sensors is due to the presence of the stimulated emission mechanism, which allows amplification and spectral modification of the signal. Here, we present a step forward in the exploitation of this optical phenomenon by a revisitation of a previous experimental setup, as well as the measurement method, in particular to mitigate the instability of the results due to shot-to-shot pump energy fluctuations. In particular, the main novelties of the setup are the use of optical fibers, a reference sensor, and a peristaltic pump. These improvements are devoted to: eliminating optical beam alignment issues; improving portability; mitigating the variation in pump energy and gain medium performances over time; realizing an easy and rapid change of the sensed medium. The results showed that such a setup can be considered a prototype for a portable device for directly measuring the scattering of liquid samples, without resorting to complicated numerical or analytic inversion procedures of the measured data, once the suitable calibration of the system is performed.

Narrow-band random Raman lasing from Rhodamine 6G assisted by cascaded stimulated Raman scattering effect

This study reports the first experimental observation of cascaded stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) generation in a colloidal disordered medium. Generation of the cascaded effect requires both a high Raman gain and pump power in the disordered medium. Here, to extend effective path lengths of photons into the Raman gain medium for producing additional SRS processes, ZnO microspheres with abundant nano-protrusions as suitable scattering centers are proposed. It is explained that nano-protrusions on the surface of the spheres can act as nano reflectors and significantly provide potent feedback in the disordered system. This provided feedback via nano-protrusions boosts cascaded SRS generation to allow the appearance of higher Raman signals of Rhodamine 6G dye solution at a low scatterer concentration of 5 mg/ml. The threshold for the formation of the first Raman signal is measured at about 60 mJ/pulse. Also, the evolution of Raman signals under several fixed pump pulses is examined to investigate the stability from pulse to pulse. Our findings provide promising perspectives for achieving the single-frequency laser sources and generate desirable wavelengths for specific applications.

Structural and optical properties of Nd:YAB-nanoparticle-doped PDMS elastomers for random lasers

We report the structural and optical properties of Nd:YAB (NdxY1-x Al3(BO3)4)-nanoparticle-doped PDMS elastomer films for random lasing (RL) applications. Nanoparticles with Nd ratios of x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 were prepared and then incorporated into the PDMS elastomer to control the optical gain density and scattering center content over a wide range. The morphology and thermal stability of the elastomer composites were studied. A systematic investigation of the lasing wavelength, threshold, and linewidth of the laser was carried out by tailoring the concentration and optical gain of the scattering centers. The minimum threshold and linewidth were found to be 0.13 mJ and 0.8 nm for x = 1 and 0.8. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the RL intensity was easily tuned by controlling the degree of mechanical stretching, with strain reaching up to 300%. A strong, repeatable lasing spectrum over ~ 50 cycles of applied strain was observed, which demonstrates the high reproducibility and robustness of the RL. In consideration for biomedical applications that require long-term RL stability, we studied the intensity fluctuation of the RL emission, and confirmed that it followed Lévy-like statistics. Our work highlights the importance of using rare-earth doped nanoparticles with polymers for RL applications.

Low resolution Raman: the impact of spectral resolution on limit of detection and imaging speed in hyperspectral imaging

The majority of problems in analytical Raman spectroscopy are mathematically over-determined, where many more spectral variables are measured than analytic outputs (such as chemical concentrations) are calculated. Thus, to improve spectral throughput and simplify system design, some researchers have explored the use of low resolution Raman systems for cell or tissue classification, achieving accuracy independent of spectral resolution. However, the tradeoffs inherent in this approach have not been systematically studied. Here, we theoretically and experimentally explore the relationship between spectral resolution and analytical error. We show that decreased spectral resolution leads to spectral signal-to-noise ratio and therefore more reliable results and lower limits of detection for equivalent integration times in blind unmixing of hyperspectral images. Our theoretical analysis demonstrates that the primary benefit of low resolution Raman spectroscopy is in overcoming detector noise (such as thermal or electronic noise). Therefore, the benefits are most pronounced when utilizing lower-grade, uncooled detectors. Therefore, using a low-cost CMOS camera we experimentally demonstrate the ability of low resolution Raman spectroscopy to achieve substantially improved imaging performance compared to fully-resolved Raman spectral imaging, paving the way for cost-effective, pervasive Raman spectroscopy.

Nonlinear effects and photonic phase transitions in Nd3+-doped nanocrystal-based random lasers

The interplay between gain and scattering of light propagating in disordered media allows operation of random lasers (RLs)-lasers without conventional optical cavities. In the present paper, we review our recent contributions in this area, which include the demonstration of self-second-harmonic and self-sum-frequency generation, the characterization of Lévy's statistics of the output intensity fluctuations, and replica symmetry breaking (analogue to the spin-glass phase transition) by RLs based on nanocrystals containing trivalent neodymium ions.

Remote Raman Detection of Chemicals from 1752 m During Afternoon Daylight

The detection and identification of materials from a distance is highly desirable for applications where accessibility is limited or there are safety concerns. Raman spectroscopy can be performed remotely and provides a very high level of confidence in detection of chemicals through vibrational modes. However, the remote Raman detection of chemicals is challenging because of the very weak nature of Raman signals. Using a remote Raman system, we performed fast remote detection of various solid and liquid chemicals from 1752 m during afternoon hours on a sunny day in Hawaii. Remote Raman systems with kilometer target range could be useful for chemical detection of volcanic gases, methane clathrate icebergs or fire ice, toxic gas clouds and toxic waste, explosives, and hazardous chemicals. With this successful test, we demonstrate the feasibility of developing future mid-size remote Raman systems suitable for long range chemical detection using helicopters and light airplanes.

A Two Components Approach for Long Range Remote Raman and Laser-Induced Breakdown (LIBS) Spectroscopy Using Low Laser Pulse Energy

The remote detection of chemicals using remote Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is highly desirable for homeland security and NASA planetary exploration programs. We recently demonstrated Raman spectra with high signal-to-noise ratio of various materials from a 430 m distance during daylight with detection times of 1-10 s, utilizing a 203 mm diameter telescopic remote Raman system and 100 mJ/pulse laser energy at 532 nm for excitation. In this research effort, we describe a simple two-components approach that helps to obtain remote Raman and LIBS spectra of targets at distance of 246 m with 3 mJ/pulse in daytime. The two components of the method are: (1) a small spectroscopy system utilizing 76 mm diameter collection optics; and (2) a small remote lens near the target. Remote Raman spectra of various chemicals are presented here with detection time of 1 s. Remote LIBS spectra of minerals using single laser pulse of 3 mJ/pulse energy from a distance of 246 m are also presented. This research work demonstrates a simple approach that significantly improves remote Raman and LIBS capabilities for long range chemical detection with compact low laser power Raman and LIBS systems.

Two-Photon Infrared Resonance Can Enhance Coherent Raman Scattering

In this Letter we present a new technique for attaining efficient low-background coherent Raman scattering where the Raman coherence is mediated by a tunable infrared laser in two-photon resonance with a chosen vibrational transition. In addition to the traditional benefits of conventional coherent Raman schemes, this approach offers a number of advantages including potentially higher emission intensity, reduction of nonresonant four-wave mixing background, preferential excitation of the anti-Stokes field, and simplified phase matching conditions. In particular, this is demonstrated in gaseous methane along the ν_{1} (A_{1}) and ν_{3} (T_{2}) vibrational levels using an infrared field tuned between 1400 and 1600  cm^{-1} and a 532-nm pump field. This approach has broad applications, from coherent light generation to spectroscopic remote sensing and chemically specific imaging in microscopy.

Enhanced coupling of light into a turbid medium through microscopic interface engineering

There are many optical detection and sensing methods used today that provide powerful ways to diagnose, characterize, and study materials. For example, the measurement of spontaneous Raman scattering allows for remote detection and identification of chemicals. Many other optical techniques provide unique solutions to learn about biological, chemical, and even structural systems. However, when these systems exist in a highly scattering or turbid medium, the optical scattering effects reduce the effectiveness of these methods. In this article, we demonstrate a method to engineer the geometry of the optical interface of a turbid medium, thereby drastically enhancing the coupling efficiency of light into the material. This enhanced optical coupling means that light incident on the material will penetrate deeper into (and through) the medium. It also means that light thus injected into the material will have an enhanced interaction time with particles contained within the material. These results show that, by using the multiple scattering of light in a turbid medium, enhanced light-matter interaction can be achieved; this has a direct impact on spectroscopic methods such as Raman scattering and fluorescence detection in highly scattering regimes. Furthermore, the enhanced penetration depth achieved by this method will directly impact optical techniques that have previously been limited by the inability to deposit sufficient amounts of optical energy below or through highly scattering layers.

Turbulence hierarchy in a random fibre laser

Turbulence is a challenging feature common to a wide range of complex phenomena. Random fibre lasers are a special class of lasers in which the feedback arises from multiple scattering in a one-dimensional disordered cavity-less medium. Here we report on statistical signatures of turbulence in the distribution of intensity fluctuations in a continuous-wave-pumped erbium-based random fibre laser, with random Bragg grating scatterers. The distribution of intensity fluctuations in an extensive data set exhibits three qualitatively distinct behaviours: a Gaussian regime below threshold, a mixture of two distributions with exponentially decaying tails near the threshold and a mixture of distributions with stretched-exponential tails above threshold. All distributions are well described by a hierarchical stochastic model that incorporates Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence, which includes energy cascade and the intermittence phenomenon. Our findings have implications for explaining the remarkably challenging turbulent behaviour in photonics, using a random fibre laser as the experimental platform.

Random fibre lasers constitute a class of lasers where the optical feedback is provided by multiple scattering in a disordered system. Here, González et al. theoretically and experimentally study the statistical turbulence behaviour in relation to the lasing transition in such lasers.

Remote Raman Efficiencies and Cross-Sections of Organic and Inorganic Chemicals

We determined Raman cross-sections of various organic liquids and inorganic polyatomic ions in aqueous solutions with a 532 nm pulsed laser using remote Raman systems developed at the University of Hawaii. Using a calibrated integrating sphere as a light source, we converted the intensity counts in the spectrum of the light from the integrating sphere measured with UH remote Raman instrument to spectral radiance. From these data, a response function of the remote Raman instrument was obtained. With the intensity-calibrated instrument, we collected remote Raman data from a standard 1 mm path length fused silica spectrophotometer cell filled with cyclohexane. The measured value of the differential Raman cross-section for the 801 cm^-1 vibrational mode of cyclohexane is 4.55 × 10^-30 cm² sr^-1 molecule^-1 when excited by a 532 nm laser, in good agreement with the values reported in the literature. Using the measured cyclohexane Raman cross-section as a reference and relative Raman mode intensities of the various ions and organic liquids, we calculated the Raman cross-sections of the strongest Raman lines of nitrate, sulfate, carbonate, phosphate ions, and organic liquids by maintaining same experimental conditions for remote Raman detection. These relative Raman cross-section values will be useful for estimating detection capabilities of remote Raman systems for planetary exploration.

Enabling time resolved microscopy with random Raman lasing

Optical imaging of fast events and processes is essential for understanding dynamics of complex systems. A bright flash of illuminating light is required to acquire sufficient number of photons for superior image quality. Laser pulses can provide extreme brightness and are typically employed to achieve high temporal resolution; however, the high degree of coherence associated with the lasing process degrades the image quality with speckle formation. Random lasers are low-coherence sources of stimulated emission and do not suffer from speckle, but are rather broadband and have a relatively low output power limiting the scope of their potential applications. In this report, we demonstrate the use of random Raman lasing as a novel imaging light source with unprecedented brightness for a speckle-free and narrowband light source. We showcase the advantages of a random Raman laser to image the nanosecond scale dynamics of cavitation formation in water and quantitatively compare these images to those taken with incoherent fluorescent emission and coherent laser light as illumination source.

Remote Raman measurements of minerals, organics, and inorganics at 430 m range

Raman spectroscopy is a characterization technique that is able to analyze and detect water or water-bearing minerals, minerals, and organic materials that are of special interest for planetary science. Using a portable pulsed remote Raman system with a commercial 8 in. (203.2 mm) telescope, a frequency doubled Nd-YAG-pulsed laser, and a spectrometer equipped with an intensified CCD camera, we acquired good quality Raman spectra of various materials from a 430 m standoff distance during daylight with detection times of 1-10 s, in a realistic context in which both the exciting source and the detector are part of the same measurement system. Remote Raman spectra at this distance provided unambiguous detection of compounds such as water and water ice, dry ice, sulfur, sulfates, various minerals and organics, and atmospheric gases. This research work demonstrates significant improvement in the remote Raman technique as well as its suitability for solar system exploration.

Controlling mode competition by tailoring the spatial pump distribution in a laser: a resonance-based approach

We introduce a simplified version of the steady-state ab initio laser theory for calculating the effects of mode competition in continuous wave lasers using the passive cavity resonances. This new theory harnesses widely available numerical methods that can efficiently calculate the passive cavity resonances, with negligible additional computational overhead. Using this theory, we demonstrate that the pump profile of the laser cavity can be optimized both for highly multi-mode and single-mode emission. An open source implementation of this method has been made available.

Phase-interfacial stimulated Raman scattering generated in strongly pumped water

We have observed unusual blue-shifted radiations in water pumped by a strong 532-nm nanosecond laser. Properties including divergence, polarizations, and pulse shapes of the unusual radiations are measured and compared with those of the regular stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in water. The unusual radiations are attributed to the parametric anti-Stokes SRS that occurs on the interface of water and ionization plasma (or gas) formed in the laser-induced breakdown of water.

Wavefront shaping enhanced Raman scattering in a turbid medium

Spontaneous Raman scattering is a powerful tool for chemical sensing and imaging but suffers from a weak signal. In this Letter, we present an application of adaptive optics to enhance the Raman scattering signal detected through a turbid, optically thick material. This technique utilizes recent advances in wavefront shaping techniques for focusing light through a turbid media and applies them to chemical detection to achieve a signal enhancement with little sacrifice to the overall simplicity of the experimental setup. With this technique, we demonstrate an enhancement in the Raman signal from titanium dioxide particles through a highly scattering material. This technique may pave the way to label-free tracking using the optical memory effect.

Pure electrical, highly-efficient and sidelobe free coherent Raman spectroscopy using acousto-optics tunable filter (AOTF)

Fast and sensitive Raman spectroscopy measurements are imperative for a large number of applications in biomedical imaging, remote sensing and material characterization. Stimulated Raman spectroscopy offers a substantial improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio but is often limited to a discrete number of wavelengths. In this report, by introducing an electronically-tunable acousto-optical filter as a wavelength selector, a novel approach to a broadband stimulated Raman spectroscopy is demonstrated. The corresponding Raman shift covers the spectral range from 600 cm⁻¹ to 4500 cm⁻¹, sufficient for probing most vibrational Raman transitions. We validated the use of the new instrumentation to both coherent anti-Stokes scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) spectroscopies.

Electronically tunable coherent Raman spectroscopy using acousto-optics tunable filter

Fast and sensitive Raman spectroscopy measurements are imperative for a large number of applications in biomedical imaging, remote sensing and material characterization. In this report, by introducing an electronically-tunable acousto-optical filter as a wavelength selector, we demonstrated a novel instrumentation to the broadband coherent Raman spectroscopy. System's tunability allows assessing Raman transitions ranging from <400 cm(-1) to 4500 cm(-1). We validated the use of the new instrumentation by collecting coherent anti-Stokes spectra and stimulated Raman spectra of various samples.

Lightweight Raman spectroscope using time-correlated photon-counting detection

Raman spectroscopy is an important tool in understanding chemical components of various materials. However, the excessive weight and energy consumption of a conventional CCD-based Raman spectrometer forbids its applications under extreme conditions, including unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) and Mars/Moon rovers. In this article, we present a highly sensitive, shot-noise-limited, and ruggedized Raman signal acquisition using a time-correlated photon-counting system. Compared with conventional Raman spectrometers, over 95% weight, 65% energy consumption, and 70% cost could be removed through this design. This technique allows space- and UAV-based Raman spectrometers to robustly perform hyperspectral Raman acquisitions without excessive energy consumption.

Multi-wavelength emission through self-induced second-order wave-mixing processes from a Nd3+ doped crystalline powder random laser

Random lasers (RLs) based on neodymium ions (Nd³⁺) doped crystalline powders rely on multiple light scattering to sustain laser oscillation. Although Stokes and anti-Stokes Nd³⁺ RLs have been demonstrated, the optical gain obtained up to now was possibly not large enough to produce self-frequency conversion. Here we demonstrate self-frequency upconversion from Nd³⁺ doped YAl₃(BO₃)₄ monocrystals excited at 806 nm, in resonance with the Nd³⁺ transition ⁴I_9/2 → ⁴F_5/2. Besides the observation of the RL emission at 1062 nm, self-converted second-harmonic at 531 nm, and self-sum-frequency generated emission at 459 nm due to the RL and the excitation laser at 806 nm, are reported. Additionally, second-harmonic of the excitation laser at 403 nm was generated. These results exemplify the first multi-wavelength source of radiation owing to nonlinear optical effect in a Nd³⁺ doped crystalline powder RL. Contrary to the RLs based on dyes, this multi-wavelength light source can be used in photonic devices due to the large durability of the gain medium.

Optimization of focusing through scattering media using the continuous sequential algorithm

The ability to control the propagation of light through scattering media is essential for atmospheric optics, astronomy, biomedical imaging and remote sensing. The optimization of focusing light through a scattering medium is of particular interest for the case of highly scattering materials. Optical wavefront beam-shaping plays a critical role in optimizing such a propagation; however, an enormous field of adjustable parameters makes the overall task complicated. Here, we propose and experimentally evaluate several variations on the standard continuous sequential algorithm that hold a promise of revealing new, faster and more efficient optimization algorithms for selecting an optical wavefront to focus light through a scattering medium. We demonstrate that the order in which pixels are chosen in the continuous sequential algorithm can lead to a 2-fold decrease in the number of iterations required to reach a given enhancement.

Ultimate sensing resolution of water temperature by remote Raman spectroscopy

The limit of sensing resolution of water temperature by remote Raman spectroscopy was investigated experimentally. A remote Raman spectrometer, which employed a telescope of 20 cm in pupil size and the second harmonic generation (SHG) of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, was used for the measurement. By analyzing the broad O-H stretching Raman band located near 3500  cm⁻¹, a parameter which is in second-order polynomial relation with water temperature from 13°C to 50°C could be obtained. The resolution of our remote Raman temperature sensor was better than ±0.2°C with measurement time shorter than 10 s. The influence of the Raman signal's signal-to-noise ratio on the resolution and salinity effect on the accuracy of temperature sensing were also investigated.

Higher order processes in random Raman lasing

Random Raman lasers offer a unique opportunity to study many exciting dynamics of light propagation in turbid media. One of the most notable features observed to exist in the recently discovered random Raman laser are the presence of higher order stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) processes. The higher order Stokes generation likely comes from photons that have the longest pathlengths, thus have the most gain. This makes these photons particularly likely to offer interesting insight into wave propagation effects such as coherent backscattering and optical Anderson localization. In this work, we use Monte Carlo simulations to investigate how these higher order processes occur and what properties they are expected to exhibit when considering only transport equation dynamics. This knowledge will allow us to look for deviations from this theory in future experiments to determine if wavelike properties play an active role in random Raman lasing.