Anna Voznesenskaya

Magneto-optical features and extraordinary light transmission through perforated metal films filled with liquid crystals

We calculate the effective dielectric tensor of a metal film penetrated by cylindrical holes filled with a nematic liquid crystal (NLC) whose director is parallel to the film and can be controlled by a static magnetic field whose direction can be rotated in an arbitrary direction in the plane of the film. We consider both randomly distributed holes (using a Maxwell-Garnett approximation) and a square lattice of holes (using a Fourier technique). Both the holes and the lattice constant of the square lattice are assumed small compared to the wavelength. The films are found to exhibit extraordinary light transmission at special frequencies, ωsp, related to the surface plasmon (SP) resonances of the composite film, which depends on the direction of the applied magnetic field.

Double degree master program: Optical Design

Modern tendencies of higher education require development of master programs providing achievement of learning outcomes corresponding to quickly variable job market needs. ITMO University represented by Applied and Computer Optics Department and Optical Design and Testing Laboratory jointly with Warsaw University of Technology represented by the Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics at The Faculty of Mechatronics have developed a novel international master double-degree program “Optical Design” accumulating the expertise of both universities including experienced teaching staff, educational technologies, and experimental resources. The program presents studies targeting research and professional activities in high-tech fields connected with optical and optoelectronics devices, optical engineering, numerical methods and computer technologies. This master program deals with the design of optical systems of various types, assemblies and layouts using computer modeling means; investigation of light distribution phenomena; image modeling and formation; development of optical methods for image analysis and optical metrology including optical testing, materials characterization, NDT and industrial control and monitoring. The goal of this program is training a graduate capable to solve a wide range of research and engineering tasks in optical design and metrology leading to modern manufacturing and innovation. Variability of the program structure provides its flexibility and adoption according to current job market demands and personal learning paths for each student. In addition considerable proportion of internship and research expands practical skills. Some special features of the “Optical Design” program which implements the best practices of both Universities, the challenges and lessons learnt during its realization are presented in the paper.

Design of single and two-lens laser flat-top reshaping systems

Recently laser technologies are expanded widely among various applications of optical devices. Regarding unique properties laser sources are used in industrial systems, in medicine, in a variety of laboratory equipment, etc. Large number of technical applications requires laser beam reshaping, which presuppose redistribution of optical power in the beam cross-section; particularly to form a flat-top beam with uniform intensity distribution. Traditional inverted lens telescopic systems purposed for the light collimation do not allow to achieve the laser beam reshaping. For this case is possible to use more complicated kind of lens surfaces, such as aspherical ones, or freeforms (both lens and mirror optical systems), microlens arrays and other approaches. Current work describes the optimization model of laser beam reshaping optical system based on aspherical (conic) optics, using Zemax software. Single and two-lens telescopic systems were investigated to reach specified characteristics, results of this studies are shown.

Computer modeling and approximation of laser beam reshaper based on aspherical optics

Many technical applications need laser beam reshaping, which represents redistribution of optical power in the beam cross-section; particularly to form a flat-top beam. Such systems synthesis requires to develop a specific mathematical model that could be installed then into special commercial software. This work describes laser beam reshaper modeling using two aspherical lens telescopic system. Also are shown approximation equations of refractive aspherical surfaces and the reshaping optical system model applying Zemax software.

Advanced interdisciplinary undergraduate program: light engineering

The undergraduate educational program “Light Engineering” of an advanced level of studies is focused on development of scientific learning outcomes and training of professionals, whose activities are in the interdisciplinary fields of Optical engineering and Technical physics. The program gives practical experience in transmission, reception, storage, processing and displaying information using opto-electronic devices, automation of optical systems design, computer image modeling, automated quality control and characterization of optical devices. The program is implemented in accordance with Educational standards of the ITMO University. The specific features of the Program is practice- and problem-based learning implemented by engaging students to perform research and projects, internships at the enterprises and in leading Russian and international research educational centers. The modular structure of the Program and a significant proportion of variable disciplines provide the concept of individual learning for each student. Learning outcomes of the program’s graduates include theoretical knowledge and skills in natural science and core professional disciplines, deep knowledge of modern computer technologies, research expertise, design skills, optical and optoelectronic systems and devices.

Problem-based learning in optical engineering studies

Nowadays, the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is one of the most prospective educational technologies. PBL is based on evaluation of learning outcomes of a student, both professional and personal, instead of traditional evaluation of theoretical knowledge and selective practical skills. Such an approach requires changes in the curricula development. There should be introduced projects (cases) imitating real tasks from the professional life. These cases should include a problem summary with necessary theoretic description, charts, graphs, information sources etc, task to implement and evaluation indicators and criteria. Often these cases are evaluated with the assessment-center method. To motivate students for the given task they could be divided into groups and have a contest. Whilst it looks easy to implement in social, economic or teaching fields PBL is pretty complicated in engineering studies. Examples of cases in the first-cycle optical engineering studies are shown in this paper. Procedures of the PBL implementation and evaluation are described.

Computer modeling of laser beam reshaper based on aspherical telescopic system

Laser beam reshaper based on two aspherical lens telescope system is presented. Results of computer modeling of a laser beam reshaper and interpolation of refractive aspherical surfaces are shown.

ITMO Photonics: center of excellence

ITMO University, the leading Russian center in photonics research and education, has the mission to train highlyqualified competitive professionals able to act in conditions of fast-changing world. This paradigm is implemented through creation of a strategic academic unit ITMO Photonics, the center of excellence concentrating organizational, scientific, educational, financial, laboratory and human resources. This Center has the following features: dissemination of breakthrough scientific results in photonics such as advanced photonic materials, ultrafast optical and quantum information, laser physics, engineering and technologies, into undergraduate and graduate educational programs through including special modules into the curricula and considerable student’s research and internships; transformation of the educational process in accordance with the best international educational practices, presence in the global education market in the form of joint educational programs with leading universities, i.e. those being included in the network programs of international scientific cooperation, and international accreditation of educational programs; development of mechanisms for the commercialization of innovative products – results of scientific research; securing financial sustainability of research in the field of photonics of informationcommunication systems via funding increase and the diversification of funding sources. Along with focusing on the research promotion, the Center is involved in science popularization through such projects as career guidance for high school students; interaction between student’s chapters of international optical societies; invited lectures of World-famous experts in photonics; short educational programs in optics, photonics and light engineering for international students; contests, Olympics and grants for talented young researchers; social events; interactive demonstrations.

Modelling interferometric apparatus for recording variable-period Bragg gratings in an optical fiber

This paper discusses a layout for recording variable-period Bragg gratings in optical fibers, based on the use of a modified Talbot interferometer with cylindrical lenses. An analysis is given of how the parameters of the apparatus, including the cylindrical lenses, affect the characteristics of the gratings.

Collaboration between applied and computer optics department of ITMO University with industry’s leading manufacturers

Modern higher education could not function without a close connection of universities and industry’s leading manufacturers. The article discusses collaboration between Applied and computer optics department of ITMO University with industry leaders. Features collaboration, problems and results of its implementation are presented in the article.