Nabeel A. Riza

Three-terminal adaptive nematic liquid-crystal lens device

A 1 mm x 1 mm nematic liquid-crystal three-terminal device for optical beam forming (focusing/spoiling) is fabricated. A thin-film-resistor network on the device substrate layer is used to control the voltages on the 98 internal lens electrodes by use of only one variable external driver. By using a high-resistance thin-film layer of amorphous silicon under the 98-element parallel electrode structure layer, we generate a near-continuous index perturbation to form a cylindrical lens. The focal length of this lens is continuously variable from inifinity to 12 cm by use of a variable 1-4-V-peak 1-kHz square-wave external terminal control signal.

General formula for coupling-loss characterization of single-mode fiber collimators by use of gradient-index rod lenses

A general formula for determining the coupling loss between two single-mode fiber collimators with the simultaneous existence of separation, lateral offset and angular tilt misalignments, and spot-size mismatch is theoretically derived by use of the Gaussian field approximation. Based on this general formula, the formulas for coupling losses that are due to the misalignment of insert separation, lateral offset, and angular tilt are given. The formula for the coupling loss that is due to Gaussian spot-size mismatch of two single-mode collimators is also given. Good agreement between these formulas and experimental results is demonstrated with gradient-index rod lens-based fiber collimators operating in the 1300-nm band.

Digitally controlled fault-tolerant multiwavelength programmable fiber-optic attenuator using a two-dimensional digital micromirror device

A digitally controlled multiwavelength variable fiber-optic attenuator using a two-dimensional digital micromirror device (DMD) is introduced. The results from an experimental four-wavelength (i.e., 1546.92, 1548.52, 1550.12, and 1551.72 nm) proof-of-concept attenuator indicate a 26-dB dynamic range and 11-bit resolution. The measured attenuator average coherent optical cross talk per wavelength channel is -38 dB , limited by the additive noise resulting from the nonideal isolation of the optical circulator and the attenuator module. The average optical loss for our experimental attenuator is 15 dB and is limited mainly by the visible-mode DMD that is used as a 1550-nm infrared window device. Our theoretical estimate of a <8-dB loss optimized attenuator can be used for equalization in multiwavelength fiber-optic communications with as many as 108 wavelengths.

High-speed wavelength-multiplexed fiber-optic sensors for biomedicine

In this paper, we introduce three novel fiber-optic sensor system designs to attain real time sample data such as blood flow rates via Doppler and reflectance measurements over a spatial domain of interest. In addition, we discuss the design and functionality of novel no-moving parts sensor heads. These front-end sensors include our miniaturized head (e.g., 1.8 mm cross-sectional diameter) for intra-cavity probing and a hand-held optical scanning head for external cavity sensing via Doppler and reflectance measurements. The non-coherent miniaturized fiber-optic scanning probe can also function as real time precision optical knife to remove fat in blood vessels or to make intra-cavity incisions with pinpoint accuracy. On the other hand, our nonscanning coherent fiber-optic probe system (using a broadband source) has the unique capability of producing multiple reconfigurable simultaneous beams and operating in slow and fast acquisition mode at the same time. System issues such as front-end probe beam angular scan, scan distance, and system insertion loss are addressed.

Foundations for low-loss fiber gradient-index lens pair coupling with the self-imaging mechanism

A fiber-optic collimator that emits a Gaussian beam with its beam waist at a certain distance after the exit face of the lens is labeled a self-imaging collimator. For such a collimator, the waist of the emitted Gaussian beam and its location are partly dependent on the properties of the gradient-index (GRIN) lens. Parameters for the self-imaging collimator are formulated in terms of the parameters of a GRIN lens (e.g., pitch, core refractive index, gradient index, length) and the optical wavelength. Next, by use of the Gaussian beam approximation, a general expression for the coupling power loss between two self-imaging-type single-mode fiber (SMF) collimators is, for the first time to our knowledge, derived as a function of three types of misalignment, namely, separation, lateral offset, and angular tilt misalignment. A coupling experiment between two self-imaging collimators with changing separation distance is successfully performed and matches the proposed self-imaging mechanism coupling loss theory. In addition, using a prism, lateral offset, as well as angular tilt, misalignments are experimentally simulated for a two self-imaging collimator coupling condition by a single collimator reflective test geometry. Experimental results agree well with the proposed loss formulas for self-imaging GRIN lenses. Hence, for the first time to our knowledge, the mathematical foundations are laid for employing self-imaging-type fiber collimators in SMF-based free-space systems allowing optimal design for ultra-low-loss coupling.

Liquid crystal-based optical time delay units for phased array antennas

Novel two-dimensional (2-D) spatial light modulator (SLM)-based optical time delay units (OTDUs) using freespace/solid optics and fiber delays are introduced for phased array antenna and wideband signal processing applications. In particular, the mature nematic liquid crystal (NLC) SLM technology is considered for the proposed architectures. A 1/spl times/2 optical switch is demonstrated using a parallel-rub birefringent-mode NLC cell, a bulk optics cube polarizing beamsplitter, and a sheet polarizer. Switch measurements taken at 633 nm show a >3400:1 or >35 dB output port optical isolation. The 1/spl times/2 NLC switch is used to build a 1-bit, 3.33-ns-duration, free-space OTDU using mirrors and total internal reflection corner prisms. The unit demonstrated a >30 dB optical (or >60 dB electrical) signal-to-noise ratio for both delay and no-delay positions. A 1500 pixel NLC SLM is built, and a 128:1 or 21 dB on/off isolation is demonstrated limited by the digital drive electronics of thin-film transistor (TFT)-based pixel control. >

Reconfigurable wavelength add-drop filtering based on a Banyan network topology and ferroelectric liquid crystal fiber-optic switches

This paper presents a modular optical implementation of a Banyan network by using the physical flexibility of the optical fiber to form the interconnections between compact switching stages based on bulk polarization optics. Specifically, these switching stages use total internal reflection (TIR) prisms with ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) polarization rotators to form compact modules. Using this Banyan network implementation, a reconfigurable multiwavelength add-drop filter for wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) applications is proposed. Experimental results for our fiber connected 2 in-2 out FLC-based bulk-optic switching stage gives a /spl sim/6.7 dB optical insertion loss and a /spl sim/-40 dB optical interchannel crosstalk level. A low 2 dB optical insertion loss design number is expected with optimized components, realizing high (e.g., 35 /spl mu/s) switching speed and low crosstalk switching networks.

Synchronous amplitude and time control for an optimum dynamic range variable photonic delay line

A synchronous-amplitude-controlled and time-delay-controlled photonic controller for phased-array antenna applications is proposed and demonstrated. Amplitude control is based on a variable optical attenuator system that operates in synchronism with the photonic delay line (PDL). This amplitude control system can provide both the signal calibration for the different PDL channels and settings required for driving the antenna elements of a phased-array radar and the optimum optical power levels that impinge on the photodetector for optimum fiber-optic-link performance. Various variable amplitude control modules based on ferroelectric liquid crystals, polymer-dispersed liquid crystals, and photoconductive devices are proposed. We show that the dynamic range loss due to a switched-PDL inherent structure loss can be compensated when we control the optical power from the laser, using the synchronous optical attenuation system. For the first time to our knowledge, full dynamic range loss compensation is demonstrated for an external-modulation-fed 3-bit switched PDL with a structure optical insertion loss of 5.5 dB. A compression dynamic range of 158 dBxHz was measured at 6 GHz, and a spurious free dynamic range of 111 dBxHz(2/3) was estimated. Feasibility of the dynamic range compensation technique for multichannel, higher-insertion-loss PDL systems is discussed.

Hybrid Wireless-Wired Optical Sensor for Extreme Temperature Measurement in Next Generation Energy Efficient Gas Turbines

Accuracy, reliability, and long lifetimes are critical parameters for sensors measuring temperature in gas turbines of clean coal-fired power plants. Greener high efficiency next generation power plants need gas turbines operating at extremely high temperatures of 1500°C, where present thermocouple temperature probe technology fails to operate with reliable and accurate readings over long lifetimes. To solve this pressing problem, we have proposed the concept of a new hybrid class of all-silicon carbide (SiC) optical sensor, where a single crystal SiC optical chip is embedded in a sintered SiC tube assembly, forming a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched all-SiC front-end probe. Because chip and host material are CTE matched, optimal handling of extreme thermal ramps and temperatures is possible. In this article, we demonstrate the first successful industrial combustor rig test of this hybrid all-SiC temperature sensor front-end probe indicating demonstrated probe structural robustness to 1600°C and rig test data to ~1200°C. The design of the rig test sensor system is presented and data are analyzed.

ALL-SILICON CARBIDE HYBRID WIRELESS-WIRED OPTICS TEMPERATURE SENSOR NETWORK BASIC DESIGN ENGINEERING FOR POWER PLANT GAS TURBINES

Proposed is a novel design of a fiber-remoted temperature sensor network for operation in the extreme environments of power generation gas turbines. The network utilizes a robust all-Silicon Carbide wireless-wired hybrid temperature probe design that features an all-passive front-end, active laser beam targeting, and the use of an optical wedge that eliminates optical interferometric noise in addition to serving as a partial vacuum window for the probe cavity to minimize laser beam wander due to air turbulence. An example basic network is built at the 1550 nm band using 1 × 2 micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) fiber-optic switches with engineered sensor system robust performance observed at 1000°C using a custom assembled all-SiC probe with a Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) high temperature window.