Study of the optical properties of TeO2-PbO-TiO2 glass system

We describe the preparation and some optical properties of high refractive index TeO2-PbO-TiO2 glass system. Highly homogeneous glasses were obtained by agitating the mixture during the melting process in an alumina crucible. The characterization was done by X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, light absorption and linear refractive index measurements. The results show a change in the glass structure as the PbO content increases: the TeO4 trigonal bipyramids characteristics of TeO2 glasses transform into TeO3 trigonal pyramids. However, the measured refractive indices are almost independent of the glass composition. We show that third-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities calculated from the measured refractive indices using Lines' theoretical model are also independent of the glass composition.

MATERIAIS VÍTREOS E LUZ: PARTE 2

In this second part it will be discussed some photonic applications of glassy and glass ceramic thin films which can be used as planar waveguides. Some photonic applications require certain specifications of glass, which can be quantified by studying the nonlinear optical properties of the materials. Therefore, a brief introduction of these phenomena is discussed, as well as the use of femtosecond lasers to manipulate the composition or for the preparation of waveguides into glasses. Finally, the article will address a brief introduction on microstructured optical fibers and commercial application prospects for these devices.

Filmes delgados luminescentes obtidos a partir de hidroxicarbonatos de ítrio ativados por európio ou térbio

These films were obtained by dip coating. Parameters like dislocation velocity; number of deposits, suspension concentration, and number of deposits followed or not by heat treatment between each deposit and calcination temperature were evaluated for establishing the best homogeneity. The obtained films were characterized in terms of their morphology, optical quality and photoluminescence by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry and luminescence spectroscopy, respectively. The morphologic and luminescent characteristics showed dip coating as good laboratory technique for development of thin films for optical applications.

Measuring higher order optical aberrations of the human eye: techniques and applications

In the present paper we discuss the development of "wave-front", an instrument for determining the lower and higher optical aberrations of the human eye. We also discuss the advantages that such instrumentation and techniques might bring to the ophthalmology professional of the 21st century. By shining a small light spot on the retina of subjects and observing the light that is reflected back from within the eye, we are able to quantitatively determine the amount of lower order aberrations (astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia) and higher order aberrations (coma, spherical aberration, etc.). We have measured artificial eyes with calibrated ametropia ranging from +5 to -5 D, with and without 2 D astigmatism with axis at 45º and 90º. We used a device known as the Hartmann-Shack (HS) sensor, originally developed for measuring the optical aberrations of optical instruments and general refracting surfaces in astronomical telescopes. The HS sensor sends information to a computer software for decomposition of wave-front aberrations into a set of Zernike polynomials. These polynomials have special mathematical properties and are more suitable in this case than the traditional Seidel polynomials. We have demonstrated that this technique is more precise than conventional autorefraction, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 0.1 µm for a 4-mm diameter pupil. In terms of dioptric power this represents an RMSE error of less than 0.04 D and 5º for the axis. This precision is sufficient for customized corneal ablations, among other applications.

Fundamentals and applications of spectroscopic ellipsometry

This paper describes the use of ellipsometry as a precise and accurate technique for characterizing substrates and overlayers. A brief historical development of ellipsometry and the basic principles necessary to understand how an ellipsometer works are presented. There are many examples of studies performed in addressing materials science issues, and several are presented here: measurements of thickness, optical properties, and modeling of surface roughness. These selected results obtained in our laboratory for substrates, Si/SiO2 interfaces, and polymers provide evidence that ellipsometry can play a critical role in characterizing different types of materials.

Optical coherence tomography imaging of the basal ganglia: feasibility and brief review

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising medical imaging technique that uses light to capture real-time cross-sectional images from biological tissues in micrometer resolution. Commercially available optical coherence tomography systems are employed in diverse applications, including art conservation and diagnostic medicine, notably in cardiology and ophthalmology. Application of this technology in the brain may enable distinction between white matter and gray matter, and obtainment of detailed images from within the encephalon. We present, herein, the in vivo implementation of OCT imaging in the rat brain striatum. For this, two male 60-day-old rats (Rattus norvegicus, Albinus variation, Wistar) were stereotactically implanted with guide cannulas into the striatum to guide a 2.7-French diameter high-definition OCT imaging catheter (Dragonfly™, St. Jude Medical, USA). Obtained images were compared with corresponding histologically stained sections to collect imaging samples. A brief analysis of OCT technology and its current applications is also reported, as well as intra-cerebral OCT feasibility on brain mapping during neurosurgical procedures.