Hanan Anis

Design of widely tunable semiconductor lasers and the concept of binary superimposed gratings (BSG's)

We propose a new concept of binary superimposed gratings (BSGs) as multiwavelength grating reflectors and show it as an effective structural improvement over the existing designs, to both the fabrication process and device performance. We also present a study of key design issues for widely tunable lasers based on grating mirrors with a comb-like reflection spectrum and summarize simple design rules for the grating part of the laser, based on analytical and numerical analysis. The binary supergrating consists of elements of equal size whose refractive index is allowed to be one of two possible values, which are sequenced according to a binary optics formalism to effect a spatial superposition of multiple sets of single-frequency gratings, and its implementation is well within the standard e-beam lithography limits. The calculations of lasing frequency, mode, and side-mode suppression ratio of the tunable laser are formulated and presented along with numerical examples.

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy using photonic crystal fiber with two closely lying zero dispersion wavelengths

We demonstrate coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy of lipid-rich structures using a single unamplified femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser and a photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with two closely lying zero dispersion wavelengths (ZDW) for the Stokes source. The primary enabling factor for the fast data acquisition (84 micros per pixel) in the proof-of-principle CARS images, is the low noise supercontinuum (SC) generated in this type of PCF, in contrast to SC generated in a PCF with one ZDW. The dependence of the Stokes pulse on average input power, pump wavelength, pulse duration and polarization is experimentally characterized. We show that it is possible to control the spectral shape of the SC by tuning the pump wavelength of the input pulse and the consequence for CARS microscopy is discussed.

Miniaturized multimodal CARS microscope based on MEMS scanning and a single laser source.

We demonstrate a novel miniaturized multimodal coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanning mirrors and custom miniature optics. A single Ti:sapphire femtosecond pulsed laser is used as the light source to produce the CARS, two photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) images using this miniaturized microscope. The high resolution and distortion-free images obtained from various samples such as a USAF target, fluorescent and polystyrene microspheres and biological tissue successfully demonstrate proof of concept, and pave the path towards future integration of parts into a handheld multimodal CARS probe for non- or minimally-invasive in vivo imaging.

Raman Spectroscopy of Nanoparticles Using Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal Fibers

Hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (HC-PCF) were employed for enhancing the Raman signal obtained from ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in solution. By selectively filling the core of HC-PCF, substantial enhancement in the Raman signal was obtained. By employing this technique, four different stages in the synthesis ZnO NPs were studied with record low pump power levels. The concentration of ZnO NPs in the system was <1% by weight of the total mass. Yet, the different synthesis stages could be differentiated and identified through the Raman modes obtained. It was also demonstrated that the concentration of NPs in solution could be obtained with sensitivity in the millimolar range. This could be achieved by examining the amplitude ratios of the relevant Raman modes.

Hollow core photonic crystal fiber as a reusable Raman biosensor

We report that a single hollow core photonic crystal fiber (HC-PCF) can be used for repetitive characterization of multiple samples by Raman spectroscopy. This was achieved by integrating the HC-PCF to a differential pressure system that allowed effective filling, draining and re-filling of samples into a HC-PCF under identical optical conditions. Consequently, high-quality and reliable spectral data could be obtained which were suitable for multivariate analysis (partial least squares). With the present scheme, we were able to accurately predict different concentrations of heparin and adenosine in serum. Thus the detection scheme as presented here paves a path for the inclusion of HC-PCFs in point-of-care technologies and environmental monitoring where rapid sample characterization is of utmost importance.

Third-order dispersion impact on mode-locking regimes of Yb-doped fiber laser with photonic bandgap fiber for dispersion compensation

Novel features in stretched-pulse and similariton mode-locked regimes of Yb-doped fiber laser with photonic bandgap fiber used for dispersion compensation are found by means of numerical simulations. We show that the mode-locked pulse may become shorter with increasing third-order dispersion. Analytical estimations explain observed behavior through resonant interaction of the main pulse with dispersive waves involving both resonant sidebands and zero-group-velocity dispersion waves. Switching between the stretched-pulse and the similariton regimes is also studied.

Degradation of Bi-Directional Single Fiber Transmission in WDM-PON Due to Beat Noise

This paper presents a general formulation for the impact of back-reflection in wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical networks (WDM-PON) access networks. The analysis is applied to various wavelength-independent optical network unit (ONU) configurations such as amplified spontaneous emission (ASE)-locked Fabry-Perot (FP) lasers, reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers or injection locked FP using the downstream signal. The power penalty due to beat noise and its dependence on relative intensity noise, transmitter linewidth, and receiver bandwidth is investigated. The optimal gain at the ONU that minimizes the effect of beat noise is also found. The results show that the power penalty decreases as the linewidth of the the optical line terminal (OLT) and ONU light source increase.

Hollow core photonic crystal fiber for monitoring leukemia cells using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).

The present paper demonstrates an antibody-free, robust, fast, and portable platform for detection of leukemia cells using Raman spectroscopy with a 785-nm laser diode coupled to a hollow core photonic crystal (HC-PCF) containing silver nanoparticles. Acute myeloid leukemia is one of the most common bone marrow cancers in children and youths. Clinical studies suggest that early diagnosis and remission evaluation of myoblasts in the bone marrow are pivotal for improving patient survival. However, the current protocols for leukemic cells detection involve the use of expensive antibodies and flow cytometers. Thus, we have developed a new technology for detection of leukemia cells up to 300 cells/ml using a compact fiber HC-PCF, which offers a novel alternative to existing clinical standards. Furthermore, we were also able to accurately distinguish live, apoptotic and necrotic leukemic cells.

Portable, miniaturized, fibre delivered, multimodal CARS exoscope

We demonstrate for the first time, a portable multimodal coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscope (exoscope) for minimally invasive in-vivo imaging of tissues. This device is based around a micro-electromechanical system scanning mirror and miniaturized optics with light delivery accomplished by a photonic crystal fibre. A single Ti:sapphire femtosecond pulsed laser is used as the light source to produce CARS, two photon excitation fluorescence and second harmonic generation images. The high resolution and distortion-free images obtained from various resolution and bio-samples, particularly in backward direction (epi) successfully demonstrate proof of concept, and pave the path towards future non or minimally-invasive in vivo imaging.

Similariton pulse instability in mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser in the vicinity of zero cavity dispersion

Stability of the similariton mode-locked regime in Yb-doped fiber laser in the vicinity of zero cavity dispersion is studied by means of numerical simulations. It is shown that similariton pulses which initially arise from laser noise collapse into a continuous wave state. The mode-locked pulses are found to be stable after a certain cavity dispersion threshold is exceeded. From analysis of the instability development, we conclude that instability has parametric nature. We compare our results with stability analysis based on the Ginzburg-Landau approach. Analogies with instabilities found in the long-haul fiber communication systems are also discussed.