Waveguide-integrated chip-scale optomechanical magnetometer.

Optomechanical magnetometers enable highly sensitive magnetic field sensing. However, all such magnetometers to date have been optically excited and read-out either via free space or a tapered optical fiber. This limits their scalability and integrability, and ultimately their range of applications. Here, we present an optomechanical magnetometer that is excited and read-out via a suspended optical waveguide fabricated on the same silicon chip as the magnetometer. Moreover, we demonstrate that thermomechanical noise limited sensitivity is possible using portable electronics and laser. The magnetometer employs a silica microdisk resonator selectively sputtered with a magnetostrictive film of galfenol (FeGa) which induces a resonant frequency shift in response to an external magnetic field. Experimental results reveal the retention of high quality-factor optical whispering gallery mode resonances whilst also demonstrating high sensitivity and dynamic range in ambient conditions. The use of off-the-shelf portable electronics without compromising sensor performance demonstrates promise for applications.

Second-order nonlinear optical properties of two chalcone derivatives: insights from sum-over-states.

In this study, a combined experimental and theoretical study of the nonlinear optical properties (NLO) of two chalcone derivatives, (E)-3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-(2-(phenylsulfonylamine)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (MPSP) and (E)-3-(3-nitrophenyl)-1-(2-(phenylsulfonylamine)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (NPSP), in DMSO is reported. The single crystal structures of the compounds, which differ only by the type and position of one substituent, were grown using the slow evaporation technique, and the main structural differences are discussed. The two-photon absorption and first-order hyperpolarizability measurements were performed via the Z-scan technique and hyper-Rayleigh scattering experiment in DMSO. The theoretical calculations were performed using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level, and the sum-over-states (SOS) approach in both static and dynamic cases. Besides the electron conjugation achieved by the aromatic rings, olefins, and carbonyl groups, both compounds have a nearly flat chalcone backbone, which is believed to contribute to the nonlinear optical properties. MPSP and NPSP have different positions, even though they have roughly the same conformation and form C-HO interactions. For several studied frequencies, the HRS first hyperpolarizability values for MPSP are greater than those for NPSP, indicating that in most cases the NLO properties of MPSP are better. The comparison among the theoretical and experimental HRS first hyperpolarizability results showed a good agreement. In addition, the two-dimensional second order nonlinear optical spectra obtained from the sum-over-states model indicate good second-order NLO responses of the two chalcone derivatives under external fields. Our findings are important not only to show the potential nonlinear optical application of the two new compounds but also to gain an insight into how different chemical compositions might affect the crystal structures and physico-chemical properties.

Precision Magnetometers for Aerospace Applications: A Review.

Aerospace technologies are crucial for modern civilization; space-based infrastructure underpins weather forecasting, communications, terrestrial navigation and logistics, planetary observations, solar monitoring, and other indispensable capabilities. Extraplanetary exploration-including orbital surveys and (more recently) roving, flying, or submersible unmanned vehicles-is also a key scientific and technological frontier, believed by many to be paramount to the long-term survival and prosperity of humanity. All of these aerospace applications require reliable control of the craft and the ability to record high-precision measurements of physical quantities. Magnetometers deliver on both of these aspects and have been vital to the success of numerous missions. In this review paper, we provide an introduction to the relevant instruments and their applications. We consider past and present magnetometers, their proven aerospace applications, and emerging uses. We then look to the future, reviewing recent progress in magnetometer technology. We particularly focus on magnetometers that use optical readout, including atomic magnetometers, magnetometers based on quantum defects in diamond, and optomechanical magnetometers. These optical magnetometers offer a combination of field sensitivity, size, weight, and power consumption that allows them to reach performance regimes that are inaccessible with existing techniques. This promises to enable new applications in areas ranging from unmanned vehicles to navigation and exploration.

Mechanism of the Zn(II)Phthalocyanines' Photochemical Reactions Depending on the Number of Substituents and Geometry.

In this work, the synthesis and the nonlinear absorption and population dynamics investigation of a series of zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) dissolved in chloroform are reported. In order to determine the relevant spectroscopic parameters, such as absorption cross-sections of singlet and triplet excited states, fluorescence relaxation times, intersystem crossing, radiative decay and internal conversion, different optical and spectroscopic techniques were used. By single pulse and pulse train Z-scan techniques, respectively, singlet and triplet excited states' absorption cross-section were determined at 532 nm. Furthermore, the intersystem crossing time was obtained by using both techniques combined with the fluorescence lifetime determined by time-resolved fluorescence. The radiative and internal conversion rates were determined from the fluorescence quantum yield of the samples. Such spectroscopy parameters are fundamental for selecting photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy, as well as for many other applications.

Tetracarboxy-phthalocyanines: From excited state dynamics to photodynamic inactivation against Bovine herpesvirus type 1.

Herein we present the excited state dynamic of zinc and aluminum tetracarboxy-phthalocyanines (ZnPc and AlPc) and its application in the photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) in vitro. The excited state dynamic provides valuable data to describe the excited state properties of potential optical limiters and/or photosensitizers (PSs), such as: the excited state cross-sections, fluorescence lifetime and triplet state quantum yield. The excited state characterization was performed using three different Z-scan techniques: Single Pulse, White Light Continuum and Pulse Train. Considering the photodynamic inactivation of BoHV-1, an initial viral suspension containing 105.75TCID50/mL was incubated with the PSs for 1h at 37°C under agitation and protected from light. The samples were placed in microtiter plates and irradiated (180mW/cm2). During irradiation, a sample was taken every 15min and the viability of the virus was evaluated. The results show that both phthalocyanines were efficient against viruses. However, a higher photodynamic efficiency was observed by ZnPc, which can be attributed to its higher triplet and singlet quantum yields. The results presented here are important for animal health (treatment of BoHV-1) and also open up a field of studies to use AlPc and ZnPc as potential agents against a wide range of microorganisms of veterinary interest.