Reducing group-velocity-dispersion-dependent broadening of stimulated Brillouin scattering slow light in an optical fiber by use of a single pump laser

We propose a method of effectively extending the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) gain bandwidth in a single-mode optical fiber to reduce group-velocity-dispersion (GVD)-dependent pulse spread of SBS slow light. This can be done by overlapping doublet SBS gain spectra synthesized from a single pump laser. Numerical calculations are performed to verify our proposed method. We find that there exists the optimum spectral separation between two center frequencies of the doublet SBS gain spectrum with respect to the inherent spectral width of the pump laser, which makes it possible to effectively reduce the signal pulse broadening due to GVD. We show that the maximum time delay of the amplified signal pulse can be approximately two times longer than that by a previously reported method using a single broadband pump laser. (c) 2008 Optical Society of America.

On the group-velocity property for wave-activity conservation laws

The density and the flux of wave-activity conservation laws are generally required to satisfy the group-velocity property: under the WKB approximation (i.e., for nearly monochromatic small-amplitude waves in a slowly varying medium), the flux divided by the density equals the group velocity. It is shown that this property is automatically satisfied if, under the WKB approximation, the only source of rapid variations in the density and the flux lies in the wave phase. A particular form of the density, based on a self-adjoint operator, is proposed as a systematic choice for a density verifying this condition.

Which-path problem for one and two particles with two degrees of freedom and a relation between transverse spatial structure and group velocity of light

Quantum mechanics, optics and indeed any wave theory exhibits the phenomenon of interference. In this thesis we present two problems investigating interference due to indistinguishable alternatives and a mostly unrelated investigation into the free space propagation speed of light pulses in particular spatial modes. In chapter 1 we introduce the basic properties of the electromagnetic field needed for the subsequent chapters. In chapter 2 we review the properties of interference using the beam splitter and the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. In particular we review what happens when one of the paths of the interferometer is marked in some way so that the particle having traversed it contains information as to which path it went down (to be followed up in chapter 3) and we review Hong-Ou-Mandel interference at a beam splitter (to be followed up in chapter 5). In chapter 3 we present the first of the interference problems. This consists of a nested Mach-Zehnder interferometer in which each of the free space propagation segments are weakly marked by mirrors vibrating at different frequencies [1]. The original experiment drew the conclusions that the photons followed disconnected paths. We partition the description of the light in the interferometer according to the number of paths it contains which-way information about and reinterpret the results reported in [1] in terms of the interference of paths spatially connected from source to detector. In chapter 4 we briefly review optical angular momentum, entanglement and spontaneous parametric down conversion. These concepts feed into chapter 5 in which we present the second of the interference problems namely Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with particles possessing two degrees of freedom. We analyse the problem in terms of exchange symmetry for both boson and fermion pairs and show that the particle statistics at a beam splitter can be controlled for suitably chosen states. We propose an experimental test of these ideas using orbital angular momentum entangled photons. In chapter 6 we look at the effect that the transverse spatial structure of the mode that a pulse of light is excited in has on its group velocity. We show that the resulting group velocity is slower than the speed of light in vacuum for plane waves and that this reduction in the group velocity is related to the spread in the wave vectors required to create the transverse spatial structure. We present experimental results of the measurement of this slowing down using Hong-Ou-Mandel interference.

Spectral approach for the soliton and periodic solutions of the nonlinear wave equation

A spectral method that obtains the soliton and periodic solutions to the nonlinear wave equation is presented. The results show that the nonlinear group velocity is a function of the frequency shift as well as of the soliton power. When the frequency shift is a function of time, a solution in terms of the Jacobian elliptic function is obtained. This solution is periodic in nature, and, to generate such an optical pulse train, one must simultaneously amplitude- and frequency-modulate the optical carrier. Finally, we extend the method to include the effect of self-steepening.

Health in Madeira: a comprehensive study of aging, body composition, physical activity and functional fitness

Physical Activity (PA) and functional fitness (FF) are predictors of a healthy and independent lifestyle in older adults. The purpose of this study was: (1) to construct reference values for FF; (2) to describe sex- and age-related changes in FF, balance, gait, PA, body composition, and bone health/strength; and (3) to determine their variation and co-variation with respect to PA. This cross-sectional study included 401 males and 401 females aged 60-79 years old. FF was assessed using the Senior Fitness test and balance by the Fullerton Advance Balance scale (FAB). Gait parameters: gait velocity (GV), stride length (SL), cadence and gait stability ratio (GSR) were measured. Femoral strength index (FSI) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the total body, lumbar spine, hip region and total lean tissue mass (TLTM) and total fat mass (TFM) were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-DXA. PA was assessed during face-to-face interviews using the Baecke questionnaire. Demographic and health history information were obtained by structured telephone interview. In both sexes, a significant main effect for age-group was found for FF parameters, balance scores, gait performances, TLTM and hip, LS and total BMD and FSI. Likewise there were significant main effects for age-group for total PA in women and sports related PA in men. Men scored significantly better than women in FF (except in upper- and lower-body flexibility), balance, GV, SL, GSR and had higher BMD and TLTM compared with women. Active subjects scored better in FF, balance, and gait than their average and non-active peers. PA and FF exerted only a minor influence in the differentiation of BMD and FSI among the elderly while constitutive factors like age, height, body mass, TLTM and TFM entered as the most significant contributors. This study gives scientific support to public policies at the community level, targeted to increase PA, FF and TLTM, thereby contributing to improved quality of life in older adults.

On Multi-Dimensional Packets of Surface Waves

By using the method of operators of multiple scales, two coupled nonlinear equations are derived, which govern the slow amplitude modulation of surface gravity waves in two space dimensions. The equations of Davey and Stewartson, which also govern the two-dimensional modulation of the amplitude of gravity waves, are derived as a special case of our equations. For a fully dispersed wave, symmetric about a point which moves with the group velocity, the coupled equations reduce to a nonlinear Schrödinger equation with extra terms representing the effect of the curvature of the wavefront.

Ultrasonic Guided Wave Characterization and Damage Detection in Foam-core Sandwich Panel using PWAS and LDV

Lamb wave type guided wave propagation in foam core sandwich structures and detectability of damages using spectral analysis method are reported in this paper. An experimental study supported by theoretical evaluation of the guided wave characteristics is presented here that shows the applicability of Lamb wave type guided ultrasonic wave for detection of damage in foam core sandwich structures. Sandwich beam specimens were fabricated with 10 mm thick foam core and 0.3 mm thick aluminum face sheets. Thin piezoelectric patch actuators and sensors are used to excite and sense guided wave. Group velocity dispersion curves and frequency response of sensed signal are obtained experimentally. The nature of damping present in the sandwich panel is monitored by measuring the sensor signal amplitude at various different distances measured from the center of the linear phased array. Delaminations of increasing width are created and detected experimentally by pitch-catch interrogation with guided waves and wavelet transform of the sensed signal. Signal amplitudes are analyzed for various different sizes of damages to differentiate the damage size/severity. A sandwich panel is also fabricated with a planer dimension of 600 mm x 400 mm. Release film delamination is introduced during fabrication. Non-contact Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) is used to scan the panel while exciting with a surface bonded piezoelectric actuator. Presence of damage is confirmed by the reflected wave fringe pattern obtained from the LDV scan. With this approach it is possible to locate and monitor the damages by tracking the wave packets scattered from the damages.

Guided wave based detection of damage in honeycomb core sandwich structures

We report on the Lamb wave type guided wave propagation in honeycomb core sandwich structures. An experimental study supported by theoretical evaluation of the guided wave characteristics is presented that proves the potential of Lamb wave type guided wave for detection of damage in sandwich structures. A sandwich panel is fabricated with planar dimension of 600 mm x 600 mm, having a core thickness of 7 mm, cell size of 5 mm and 0.1 mm thick aluminum face sheets. Thin piezoelectric patch actuators and sensors are used to excite and sense a frequency band limited guided wave with a central frequency. A linear phased array of piezoelectric patch actuators is used to achieve higher signal strength and directivity. Group velocity dispersion curves and corresponding frequency response of sensed signal are obtained experimentally. Linearity between the excitation signal amplitude and the corresponding sensed signal amplitude is found for certain range of parameters. The nature of damping present in the sandwich panel is monitored by measuring the sensor signal amplitude at various different distances measured from the center of the linear phased array. Indentation and low velocity impact induced damages of increasing diameter covering several honeycomb cells are created. Crushing of honeycomb core with rupture of face sheet is observed while introducing the damage. The damages are then detected experimentally by pitch-catch interrogation with guided waves and wavelet transform of the sensed signal. Signal amplitudes are analyzed for various different sizes of damages to differentiate the damage size/severity. Monotonic changes in the sensor signal amplitude due to increase in the damage size has been established successfully. With this approach it is possible to locate and monitor the damages with the help of phased array and by tracking the wave packets scattered from the damages. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamical localization in a chain of hard core bosons under periodic driving

We study the dynamics of a one-dimensional lattice model of hard core bosons which is initially in a superfluid phase with a current being induced by applying a twist at the boundary. Subsequently, the twist is removed, and the system is subjected to periodic delta-function kicks in the staggered on-site potential. We present analytical expressions for the current and work done in the limit of an infinite number of kicks. Using these, we show that the current (work done) exhibits a number of dips (peaks) as a function of the driving frequency and eventually saturates to zero (a finite value) in the limit of large frequency. The vanishing of the current (and the saturation of the work done) can be attributed to a dynamic localization of the hard core bosons occurring as a consequence of the periodic driving. Remarkably, we show that for some specific values of the driving amplitude, the localization occurs for any value of the driving frequency. Moreover, starting from a half-filled lattice of hard core bosons with the particles localized in the central region, we show that the spreading of the particles occurs in a light-cone-like region with a group velocity that vanishes when the system is dynamically localized.

Optical properties of an inhomogeneously broadened Lambda V-system with multiple excited states

We present a theoretical model using a density matrix approach to show the influence of multiple excited states on the optical properties of an inhomogeneously broadened Lambda V-system of the Rb-87 D2 line. These closely spaced multiple excited states cause asymmetry in absorption and dispersion profiles. We observe the reduced absorption profiles, due to dressed state interactions of the applied electromagnetic fields, which results the Mollow sideband-like transparency windows. In a room temperature vapor, we obtain a narrow enhanced absorption and steep positive dispersion at the line center when the strengths of control and pump fields are equal. Here, we show how the probe transmittance varies when it passes through the atomic medium. We also discuss the transient behavior of our system which agrees well with the corresponding absorption and dispersion profiles. This study has potential applications in controllability of group velocity, and for optical and quantum information processing.

High thermopower and ultra low thermal conductivity in Cd-based Zintl phase compounds

By combining first principles density functional theory and electronic as well as lattice Boltzmann transport calculations, we unravel the excellent thermoelectric properties of Zintl phase compounds ACd(2)Sb(2) (where, A = Ca, Ba, Sr). The calculated electronic structures of these compounds show charge carrier pockets and heavy light bands near the band edge, which lead to a large power factor. Furthermore, we report large Gruneisen parameters and low phonon group velocity indicating essential strong anharmonicity in these compounds, which resulted in low lattice thermal conductivity. The combination of low thermal conductivity and the excellent transport properties give a high ZT value of similar to 1.4-1.9 in CaCd2Sb2 and BaCd2Sb2 at moderate p and n-type doping. Our results indicate that well optimized Cd-based Zintl phase compounds have the potential to match the performance of conventional thermoelectric materials.

8阶群速度控制格式及其应用

构造了8阶精度的群速度控制型差分格式.根据激波捕捉能力及对小尺度分辨能力对格式系数进行了优化.采用该格式对可压缩均匀各向同性湍流进行了直接数值模拟,所计算的最大湍流马赫数达到0.95.相同计算条件下的结果与他人结果吻合较好,说明了格式在捕捉激波的同时对湍流小尺度有较好的分辨能力.

Direct Numerical Simulation of Passive Scalar in Decaying Compressible Turbulence

The passive scalars in the decaying compressible turbulence with the initial Reynolds number (defined by Taylor scale and RMS velocity) Re=72, the initial turbulent Mach numbers (defined by RMS velocity and mean sound speed) Mt=0.2-0.9, and the Schmidt numbers of passive scalar Sc=2-10 are numerically simulated by using a 7th order upwind difference scheme and 8th order group velocity control scheme. The computed results are validated with different numerical methods and different mesh sizes. The Batchelor scaling with k(-1) range is found in scalar spectra. The passive scalar spectra decay faster with the increasing turbulent Mach number. The extended self-similarity (ESS) is found in the passive scalar of compressible turbulence.