The GRIN rod lenses are favorable optical elements for the image transmission in applications where transverse dimensions of the optical system are limited such as rigid borescopes or endoscopes. Flexible versions of these instruments usually use imaging bundles of optical fibers to assure both the mechanical elasticity and the optical transmission. The image resolution of this solution suffers from being limited by minimum fiber core diameter allowable for imaging and total number of fibers in a given cross-section area. GRIN rod lens allows for a higher image resolution for small diameters. While the optical properties of the GRIN rod lens are well known, there is no information about its allowed mechanical stress. In this paper we present a simple system for load and deformation measurement of a GRIN rod lens aimed to be used for a miniature endoscope for eye surgery operation. The system allows for loading force measurement with a deformation strain gauge cell and deformation measurement with an optical triangulation sensor. The paper presents deformation limits of the tested GRIN rod lens loaded by a three-point bending test. We also evaluated the Young modulus of the GRIN rod lens material from the measured data. Our data shows that tested GRIN lenses can be statically deformed by bending down to minimum radius 105 mm without braking.
A hole diameter measurement is a common task in mechanical engineering metrology. Inner hole dimension is usually measured with contact gauges touching the inner wall. Another approach is the hole diameter estimation by a contact or optical measurement of the diameter at the top or bottom of the hole. Such approach does not allow for the measurement of the real geometry of the hole inner walls. As the hole diameter decreases, small geometry variations along the hole axis lead to a large relative error between the actual and measured diameter value. We assessed several different optical schemes allowing for an optical measurement of a hole diameter by reflection of light towards the hole inner wall. We selected and tested a reflection optical laser triangulation approach for measurement of side wall of a recess and we analyzed the allowable depth of a bore enabling the hole diameter estimation by scanning of the inner wall along the hole axis.
For quick, efficient and accurate alignment and characterization of focused short-wavelength (i.e., extreme ultraviolet, soft x-ray, and x-ray) laser beams directly in the vacuum interaction chambers, an instrument has to be developed and implemented. AbloCAM should represent such a handy tool looking at ablation imprints of the beam in a suitable material without breaking vacuum and need for a liberation of exposed samples from the chamber to analyse them ex situ. First steps we made in this direction can be found in ref. [1] The technique of the fluence scan (F-scan method; for details see [2,3]), proven at several FEL facilities, e.g., FLASH (Free-electron LASer in Hamburg) and LCLS (Linac Coherent Light Source), makes possible to characterize the beam utilizing just an outer contour of the damage pattern. It is not necessary to measure a crater profile for the beam reconstruction. Not only lateral, but also a longitudinal distribution of irradiance can be determined in the focused beam by its imprinting (z-scan method [4]). Technically, the AbloCAM tool consists of a vacuum compatible motorized positioning system executing a series of well-defined irradiations of a chosen slab target according to algorithms fulfilling requirements of the combined F(z)-scan procedure. Damage patterns formed in that way should then be visualized in situ by means of Nomarski (DIC – Differential Interference Contrast) microscope equipped with the software which indicates and processes pattern outer contours. There is a feedback established between positioning and inspecting components and functions of the tool. The software helps to align and characterize any focused beam in the interaction chamber semi-automatically in a reasonable time.
Birefringence can be a crucial problem for many optical instruments operating with laser beams. Even for birefringence free optical elements, birefringence can be introduced due to mounting forces and torques. Highly sensitive polarimeters need to be used to reveal the limit values of linear or circular retardance introduced into the optical system. The correct assessment of polarimeter’s performance needs to be done with an appropriate test sample. We propose a birefringence test sample based on a basic load case of a circular plate loaded with torsion stress. Such a test sample has many advantages for a birefringence measurement testing. There is always present a zero level of stress in the middle of the circular sample. The stress level linearly increases towards the perimeter and its slope can be set arbitrarily. There is no change of either the sample volume or its shape under torsion stress. In the paper we evaluate the birefringence of a sample under torsion stress with Jones matrix calculus. We used a torsion stressed sample to verify reliability of our proposed setup for birefringence measurement based on polarizing Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
In the applications of computer graphics, bidirectional texture function (BTF) is used for realistic and predictive rendering. The goal of current research is to get a surface representation indistinguishable from the real world. We developed, built, and tested a portable instrument for BTF acquisition based on kaleidoscopic imaging. We discuss the color issues we experienced after the initial tests. We show that the same color balance cannot be applied to the whole image as the spectral response of the instrument varies depending on the position within the image. All optical elements were inspected for their contributions to the spectral behavior of the instrument. A software simulator of a mathematical model of the device was implemented. We found a way to implement all these contributions into the image processing pipeline. In this way, the correct white balance for each individual pixel in the image is found and applied, allowing for a more faithful color representation. Also proposed is an optimized dielectric protective layer for the kaleidoscope’s mirrors causing the least possible color aberration.
The measurement of spatially varying surface reflectance is required for faithful reproduction of real world to allow for predictive look of computer generated images. One such proposed method uses a rotational kaleidoscopic imaging, where illumination and imaging paths are realized by subimages on kaleidoscopic mirrors and illumination is carried out by a DLP projector. We describe a novel geometric calibration method for a rotational kaleidoscope that is necessary to get aligned and accurate data from measurement. The calibration has two stages. The first stage mechanically adjusts the camera, the projector, and the autocollimator against the kaleidoscope mirrors. The second stage is based on the software. By random perturbation of camera and projector in corresponding mathematical model of the kaleidoscope we estimate better real positions of camera and projector in a physical setup, comparing the computed images from the software simulator and the acquired images from the physical setup.
In computer graphics and related fields, bidirectional texture function (BTF) is used for realistic and predictive rendering. BTF allows for the capture of fine appearance effects such as self-shadowing, inter-reflection and subsurface scattering needed for true realism when used in rendering algorithms. The goal of current research is to get a surface representation indistinguishable from the real world. We developed, produced and tested a portable instrument for BTF acquisition based on kaleidoscopic imaging. Here we discuss the colour issues we experienced after the initial tests. We show that the same colour balance cannot be applied to the whole picture as the spectral response of the instrument varies with the position in the image. All optical elements were inspected for their contributions to the spectral behaviour of the instrument. The off-the-shelf parts were either measured or the manufacturer’s data were considered. The custom made mirrors’ spectral reflectivity was simulated. The mathematical model of the instrument was made. We found a way how to implement all these contributions to the image processing pipeline. In this way, a correct white balance for each individual pixel in the image is found and applied, allowing for a more faithful colour representation. Also proposed is an optimized dielectric protective layer for the kaleidoscope’s mirrors.
The liquid variable focus lenses and mirrors are extensively studied for its variety of applications nowadays because it presents one of the simplest ways for applications as varying optical elements. Instead of other principles the liquid lenses and mirrors can be easily operated by changing the pressure pushing the liquid in and out of the base to change its surface curvature. In case of small diameter optical elements the surface curvature is given by its aperture diameter, applied pressure, and surface tension of the liquid. This feature enables to use such a variable optical element for fine surface tension measurement of small volume of the liquid sample, when the optical element, diameter, and pressure are measured. We are focused on surface tension measurement of small sample of liquid water under supercooled conditions by use of pressure measurement and optical identification of free liquid meniscus planarity. We developed a measurement stand with planar meniscus shape determination by its confocal visualization. We tried different light sources for 0.3 mm diameter meniscus illumination. We discuss an influence of the light source on the liquid meniscus optical element planarity measurement.
Realistic reproduction of appearance of real-world materials by means of computer graphics requires accurate measurement and reconstruction of surface reflectance properties. We propose an interactive software simulation tool for modeling properties of a kaleidoscopic optical system for surface reflectance measurement. We use ray tracing to obtain fine grain simulation results corresponding to the resolution of a simulated image sensor and computing the reflections inside this system based on planar mirrors. We allow for a simulation of different geometric configurations of a kaleidoscope such as the number of mirrors, the length, and the taper angle. For accelerating the computation and delivering interactivity we use parallel processing of large groups of rays. Apart from the interactive mode our tool also features batch optimization suitable for automatic search for optimized kaleidoscope designs. We discuss the possibilities of the simulation and present some preliminary results obtained by using it in practice.
This paper gives short overview of laser-based experiment OSQAR at CERN which is focused on search of axions and
axion-like particles. The OSQAR experiment uses two experimental methods for axion search – measurement of the
ultra-fine vacuum magnetic birefringence and a method based on the “Light shining through the wall” experiment.
Because both experimental methods have reached its attainable limits of sensitivity we have focused on designing a
vacuum laser resonator. The resonator will increase the number of convertible photons and their endurance time within
the magnetic field. This paper presents an opto-mechanical design of a two component transportable vacuum laser
resonator. Developed optical resonator mechanical design allows to be used as a 0.8 meter long prototype laser resonator
for laboratory testing and after transportation and replacement of the mirrors it can be mounted on the LHC magnet in
CERN to form a 20 meter long vacuum laser resonator.
This paper covers a description and a technique of a possible optical method of mode locking within a laser resonator.
The measurement system is a part of instrumentation of laser-based experiment OSQAR at CERN. The OSQAR
experiment aims at search of axions, axion-like particles and measuring of ultra-fine vacuum magnetic birefringence.
It uses a laser resonator to enhance the coupling constant of hypothetical photon-to-axion conversion. The developed
locking-in technique is based on differential interferometry. Signal obtained from the measurement provide crucial
information for adaptive control of the locking-in of the resonator in real time. In this paper we propose several optical
setups used for measurement and analysis of mutual position of the resonator mirrors. We have set up a differential
interferometer under our laboratory conditions. We have done measurements with hemi-spherical cavity resonator
detuned with piezo crystals. The measurement was set up in a single plane. Laser light was directed through half-wave
retarder to a polarizing beam splitter and then converted to circular polarization by lambda/4 plates. After reflection
at the mirrors, the beam is recombined in a beam splitter, sent to analyser and non-polarizing beam splitter and then
inspected by two detectors with mutually perpendicular polarizers. The 90 degrees phase shift between the two arms
allows precise analysis of a mutual distance change of the mirrors. Because our setup was sufficiently stable, we were
able to measure the piezo constant and piezo hysteresis. The final goal is to adapt the first prototype to 23 m resonator
and measure the displacement in two planes.
Imaging of surface textures requires many combinations of incident illumination angles and detector angles of view.
Kaleidoscope is one of the means for measurement of bidirectional texture function of various sample surfaces.
An optical system featuring the kaleidoscope is proposed in the paper. Optical parameters of such an imaging system are
described and evaluated. We also discuss the optimization process of these parameters which influences the overall
imaging performance of a kaleidoscope device. We provide the visualization of various kaleidoscope designs.
Two optical methods are used in the laser-based experiment OSQAR at CERN for the search of axions and axion-like
particles. The first method looks as light shining through the wall. The second one wants to measure the ultra-fine
vacuum magnetic birefringence. Both methods have reached its attainable limits of sensitivity. Present work is focused
on increasing the number of photons and their endurance time within the magnetic field using a laser cavity. Presented
paper covers recent state of development of a prototype of a 1 meter long laser cavity which is the prerequisite of further
development of the experiment.
This paper presents a short analysis of possible techniques for fusion targets tracking in rep-rate regime. Target tracking
solution is limited with necessity of high speed, high precise and long-distance measurement combined with a harsh
environment of the vacuum fusion chamber. The only optical measurement seems to be usable to meet required
conditions to measurement system. Few standards and less traditional methods are presented in this paper. Its possibility
to meet the target goal resolution is discussed. Preparation of experimental techniques for verification of measurement
conditions of suggested methods is shown too.
KEYWORDS: Capillaries, Liquids, Temperature metrology, Light sources, Micromirrors, Data processing, Autocollimation, Adaptive optics, Optical testing, Control systems
This paper presents an application of adaptive optics principle onto small sample of liquid surface tension measurement.
The principle of experimental method devised by Ferguson (1924) is based on measurement of pressure difference
across a liquid sample placed into small diameter capillary on condition of one flat meniscus of the liquid sample.
Planarity or curvature radius of the capillary tip meniscus has to be measured and controlled, in order to fulfill this
condition during measurement. Two different optical set-ups using liquid meniscus micromirror property are presented
and its suitability for meniscus profile determination is compared. Meniscus radius optical measurement, data
processing and control algorithm of the adaptive micromirror profile set are presented too. The presented adaptive optics
system can be used for focal length control of microsystems based on liquid micromirrors or microlenses with long
focal distances especially.
This article presents an optical set-up for liquid meniscus planarity measurement at the small capillary tip, which is based
on geometric optics principle instead of much more expensive phase shift interference methods. The theoretical study of
the meniscus planarity measurement with different geometrical optical set-up is presented. The influence of the set-up
alignmen*t errors is also presented. On theses bases has been designed and developed an optical set-up for the
measurement of meniscus planarity at the 0,3 mm diameter capillary tip. Necessary radius resolution for the surface
tension of liquid measurement was determined and verified the set-up fulfills this condition.
Cavitation bubbles generated in water by Tm:YAG laser pulses were studied. Timer-resolved photography was applied to determine volume change with time and surface velocities of expanding and collapsing cavitation bubbles. A new method of determining vapor densities inside bubbles based on reflection changes of a fiber probe placed inside the cavitation bubble has been developed. Density distribution changes with time were measured spatially at 17 points within the bubble. Maximum bubble diameter was about 4.5 mm. Densities measured were compared to the growth of the bubble as shown by ultra fast imaging. Temporal and spatial pressure and temperature distribution will be computed from density distributions based on equilibrium values at maximum bubble extension.
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