Cascaded frequency conversion under nonlinear stimulated Raman adiabatic passage: erratum.

We present an erratum to our Letter [Opt. Lett.46, 1486 (2021)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.418085]. This erratum corrects an inadvertent error in defining the electric field and a typographical error in Eq. (5). The corrections have no influence on the results and conclusions of the original Letter.

Cascaded frequency conversion under nonlinear stimulated Raman adiabatic passage.

A comprehensive study of two simultaneous three wave mixing processes, a second harmonic generation followed by difference frequency generation, under nonlinear stimulated Raman adiabatic passage (STIRAP) is presented. An input pump is up-converted to its second harmonic, which then gets down-converted to a signal and idler pair with frequencies lying very close to the input pump in such a manner that complete conversion from the pump to the signal and idler takes place without exciting the second harmonic under counterintuitive adiabatic passage. This process involves nonlinear STIRAP with a nonlinear dark state similar to atomic population transfers, and we bring an analogy from atomic systems to our nonlinear dynamics to linearize the problem and analytically obtain the adiabaticity condition required for complete conversion. We also show that the nonlinear STIRAP mechanism results in a large bandwidth of about 380 nm with almost complete conversion of the pump to the signal and idler.

Cascaded frequency conversion under nonlinear stimulated Raman adiabatic passage: publisher's note.

This publisher's note contains corrections to Opt. Lett.46, 1486 (2021)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.418085.

Simultaneous sum-frequency and second-harmonic generation in a planar waveguide.

In this paper, we analyze second-harmonic (SH) generation and sum-frequency (SF) generation in a planar waveguide configuration using 2D quasi-phase-matching (QPM) gratings and show possibility of simultaneous generation of sum frequency and second harmonic. It is shown that it is possible for the two generated frequencies to be noncollinear with respect to the incident pump waves with the SF and SH frequencies exiting at different angles along the planar waveguide, leading to ease of collection. Numerical simulations are performed in a potassium titanyl phosphate planar waveguide, and it is shown that the proposed planar waveguide configuration provides wavelength tunability and has greater conversion efficiencies than bulk configuration and larger bandwidth than channel waveguide configuration.

Emission analysis of Tb3+ -and Sm3+ -ion-doped (Li2 O/Na2 O/K2 O) and (Li2 O + Na2 O/Li2 O + K2 O/K2 O + Na2 O)-modified borosilicate glasses.

Four series of borosilicate glasses modified by alkali oxides and doped with Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions were prepared using the conventional melt quenching technique, with the chemical composition 74.5B2 O3 + 10SiO2 + 5MgO + R + 0.5(Tb2 O3 /Sm2 O3 ) [where R = 10(Li2 O /Na2 O/K2 O) for series A and C, and R = 5(Li2 O + Na2 O/Li2 O + K2 O/K2 O + Na2 O) for series B and D]. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of all the prepared glasses indicate their amorphous nature. The spectroscopic properties of the prepared glasses were studied by optical absorption analysis, photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and photoluminescence (PL) analysis. A green emission corresponding to the 5 D4 → 7 F5 (543 nm) transition of the Tb3+ ions was registered under excitation at 379 nm for series A and B glasses. The emission spectra of the Sm3+ ions with the series C and D glasses showed strong reddish-orange emission at 600 nm (4 G5/2 →6 H7/2 ) with an excitation wavelength λexci = 404 nm (6 H5/2 →4 F7/2 ). Furthermore, the change in the luminescence intensity with the addition of an alkali oxide and combinations of these alkali oxides to borosilicate glasses doped with Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions was studied to optimize the potential alkali-oxide-modified borosilicate glass.

Mimicking photon propagation through two-dimensional waveguide array by a one-dimensional waveguide array.

Photon propagation through 1D and 2D waveguide arrays has been explored for various applications in the fields of quantum optics and quantum information. In this paper, we show that an appropriately designed 1D waveguide array can mimic the photon propagation through a 2D array. This alternative design is enticing since fabrication of 1D arrays is relatively less burdensome than 2D arrays.

Efficient scheme for mid-infrared generation using simultaneous optical parametric oscillators and DFG processes in a double-pass pump configuration.

We present numerical results of an efficient scheme for mid-infrared generation using simultaneous quasi-phase matched optical parametric oscillators (OPO) and difference-frequency generation (DFG) processes in a singly resonant cavity with double-pass pump configuration. Considering an appropriately poled grating structure in MgO doped congruent lithium niobate, we have shown that it is possible to realize the double-pass pump singly resonant (DPSR) cavity configuration for the simultaneous OPO+DFG process, unlike the cascaded interaction scheme, leading to efficient mid-IR generation. Our numerical results are in agreement with the recently reported experimental results. We also present optimum parameters for the DPSR cavity configuration that could provide maximum conversion efficiency.

Scheme for on-chip verification of transverse mode entanglement using the electro-optic effect.

A key ingredient in emerging quantum-enhanced technologies is the ability to coherently manipulate and detect superpositions of basis states. In integrated optics implementations, transverse spatial modes supported by multimode structures offer an attractive carrier of quantum superpositions. Here we propose an integrated dynamic mode converter based on the electro-optic effect in nonlinear channel waveguides for deterministic transformations between mutually non-orthogonal bases of spatial modes. We theoretically show its capability to demonstrate a violation of a Bell-type Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality by measuring spatially mode-entangled photon pairs generated by an integrated photon pair source. The proposed configuration, numerically studied for the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) material, can be easily implemented using standard integrated optical fabrication technology.

Luminescence properties of barium--gadolinium-titanate ceramics doped with rare-earth ions (Eu3+ and Tb3+).

Barium-gadolinium-titanate (BaGd2 Ti4 O12) powder ceramics doped with rare-earth ions (Eu(3+) and Tb(3+)) were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. From the X-ray diffraction spectrum, it was observed that Eu(3+) and Tb(3+):BaGd2 Ti4 O12 powder ceramics are crystallized in the form of an orthorhombic structure. Scanning electron microscopy image shows that the particles are agglomerated and the particle size is about 200 nm. Eu(3+) - and Tb(3+) -doped BaGd2 Ti4 O12 powder ceramics were examined by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. Emission spectra of Eu(3+)-doped BaGd2 Ti4 O12 powder ceramics showed bright red emission at 613 nm ((5)D0 →(7)F2) with an excitation wavelength λ(exci) = 408 nm ((7)F0 → (5)D3) and Tb(3+):BaGd2 Ti4 O12 ceramic powder has shown green emission at 534 nm ((5)D4 → (7)F5) with an excitation wavelength λ(exci) = 331 nm (((7)F6 → (5)D1). TL spectra show that Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) ions affect TL sensitivity.

CaTiO3:Eu3+ red nanophosphor: low temperature synthesis and photoluminescence properties.

Nanoparticles of Eu3+ doped (1-9 mol%) CaTiO3 were prepared using low temperature (500°C) solution combustion technique using metal nitrates as precursors and urea as fuel. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns of the as-formed products show single orthorhombic phase. The crystallite size was estimated using Scherrer's method and found to be in the range 40-45 nm. The effect of Eu3+ ions on luminescence characteristics of CaTiO3 was studied and the results were discussed in detail. The phosphors exhibit bright red emission upon 398 nm excitation. The characteristic emission peaks recorded at ∼540, 593, 615, 653, 696 and 706 nm (5D0→7Fj=0,1,2,3,4,5) were attributed to Eu3+ ions. The electronic transition corresponding to 5D0→7F2 (615 nm) was stronger than the magnetic dipole transition 5D0→7F1 of Eu3+ ions (596 nm). The CIE chromaticity co-ordinates were calculated from emission spectra, the values (x,y) very close to NTSC standard value of red emission. Therefore, the present phosphors were highly useful for display applications.

Polarization-based refractive index sensor using dual asymmetric long-period gratings in ridge waveguides.

We propose a sensor scheme operating in the wavelength band of 1460-1530 nm (S band) that utilizes two orthogonally polarized eigenmodes in a ridge-waveguide geometry by employing a pair of nonidentical asymmetric long-period gratings. Numerical simulations show a high sensitivity ~4900 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) over the refractive index range 1.33-1.34 exhibiting a relative resonance shift of 1 pm for an index change of ~10(-7). Such high resolution sensors enable detection of minute changes with potential applications to various biochemical industries.

Multiple-wavelength quasi-phase-matching for efficient idler generation in MgO:LiNbO3 based nanosecond optical parametric oscillator.

We present numerical results for optimization of the overall idler conversion efficiency of a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator (OPO), wherein the signal generated in the OPO process is also used as the pump for a difference frequency generation (DFG) process in a quasi-periodic MgO:LiNbO(3) crystal. The phase-matching conditions are considered such that the generated idler frequencies in both the processes (i.e., OPO and DFG) coincide. Optimization for the idler generation has been performed with respect to the different parameters, such as input pump power, pump pulse duration, and the output coupler reflectivity, for quasi-phase-matched interaction in MgO:LiNbO(3). Wavelength of the pump, signal, and idler waves considered in the optimization are 1.064 µm, 1.456 µm, and 3.95 µm, respectively. A maximum overall idler generation efficiency of ≈33% could be obtained in the simultaneous OPO+DFG process for a pump pulse duration of 72 ns and output coupler reflectivity (R(s)) of 90%, whereas for the stand-alone OPO process, the maximum idler generation efficiency was found to be ≈15%. The optimization has been illustrated for an average pump power of 8 W at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 10 kHz. This approach of simultaneous OPO+DFG process can be employed to significantly enhance the idler generation efficiency of nanosecond OPOs.

Ultrabroadband midinfrared generation by using group-velocity-dispersion tailoring in a Bragg reflection waveguide for a difference-frequency-generation process.

We propose a novel scheme for ultrabroadband midinfrared (mid-IR) generation using quasi-phase-matched difference-frequency generation (DFG) in a GaN/Al(x)Ga(1-x)N based Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW). By optimally tailoring the phase- and group-velocity dispersion properties of symmetric BRWs, we show that the phase-matching condition for a DFG process could be maintained over a broad range of signal wavelengths. This could lead to generation of an approximately 700 nm broad idler close to 3.26 microm wavelength. Since the idea is based on dispersion compensation using photonic bandgap geometry, we can shift the broadband features to any desired spectral region and for any material system within the constraints imposed by the transparency of nonlinear materials. We also investigate the possibility of broadband mid-IR generation using pump sources with broad spectral width.

Evaluation of an intermittent six-month regimen in new pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) with category I regimen of the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) needs evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the cure and relapse rates in 3 years, among the new smear-positive TB patients with Type-2 DM (DMTB) treated with CAT-I regimen (2E3H3R3Z3/4R3H3) of RNTCP. METHODOLOGY: TB suspects attending the diabetology units and the TB research centre (TRC) Chennai, were investigated. Eligible DMTB cases were enrolled. Baseline estimation of cardiac, renal, liver function tests and glycosylated-HBA1c were undertaken. All patients received 2E3H3R3Z3/4R3H3 under supervision at TRC. Clinical and sputum (smear and culture) examinations and monitoring of diabetic status were undertaken every month up to 24 months, then once in 3 months up to 36 months. RESULTS: Of 100 patients admitted, 7 were excluded for various reasons from analysis. Of 93 patients, 87 (94%) had a favourable response at the end of treatment. Pre and post treatment mean glycosylated-HBA1c were 9.7% and 8.4% (>7% poor control). During follow-up period, 6 died and one lost to follow-up. Of the remaining, four relapsed. CONCLUSION: Category-I regimen, recommended for all the new smear-positive patients in the Indian TB programme, is effective in the treatment of DMTB patients, despite poor control of diabetes.

Sputum conversion at the end of intensive phase of Category-1 regimen in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus or HIV infection: An analysis of risk factors.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: New smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients in the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) are treated with a 6-month short-course chemotherapy (SCC) regimen irrespective of co-morbid conditions. We undertook this retrospective analysis to compare sputum conversion rates (smear, culture) at the end of intensive phase (IP) of Category-1 regimen among patients admitted to concurrent controlled clinical trials: pulmonary tuberculosis alone (PTB) or with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-TB) or HIV infection (HIV-TB), and to identify the risk factors influencing sputum conversion. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis sputum conversion rates at the end of intensive phase (IP) in three concurrent studies undertaken among PTB, DM-TB and HIV-TB patients, during 1998 - 2002 at the Tuberculosis Research Centre (TRC), Chennai, were compared. Sputum smears were examined by fluorescent microscopy. HIV infected patients did not receive anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Patients with DM were treated with oral hypoglycaemic drugs or insulin (sc). RESULTS: The study population included 98, 92 and 88 patients in the PTB, DM-TB and HIV-TB studies. At the end of IP the smear conversion (58, 61, and 62%) and culture conversion (86, 88 and 92%) rates were similar in the three groups respectively. The variables associated with lack of sputum smear or culture conversion were age >45 yr, higher pre-treatment smear and culture grading, and extent of the radiographic involvement. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that the current policy of the control programme to treat all pulmonary TB patients with or with out co-morbid conditions with Category-I regimen appears to be appropriate.

Broadening of the phase-matching bandwidth in quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation using GaN-based Bragg reflection waveguide.

We present an analysis of a high index core symmetric Bragg reflection waveguide (BRW) design based on a GaN/AlxGa1-xN system for efficient quasi-phase-matched second-harmonic generation for broadband applications. By choosing the fundamental frequency to be a BRW mode and suitably tailoring the overall dispersion characteristics, the strong dispersion of the second-harmonic mode is partially canceled, leading to phase matching between the fundamental and second-harmonic over a broad range of wavelengths. The crucial interplay between the dispersive behavior of the fundamental and second-harmonic wave manifests as a broad acceptance bandwidth of approximately 33 nm accompanied with appreciable conversion efficiency (22.8%/W) for a 10 mm long waveguide. The impact of tailoring the dispersion characteristics on the conversion efficiency is also discussed.

Mechanisms of generation of multi-peak and mode-locked resembling pulses in Q-switched Yb-doped fiber lasers.

The output pulse characteristics of Q-switched Yb-doped fiber lasers have been investigated experimentally. It has been observed that for any typical modulation frequency, the pump power and the modulator OFF-time govern the shape of the output Q-switched pulse. At a fixed modulation frequency, with a fine adjustment of acousto-optic modulation window ON-time, pump power and cavity mirror position, it was possible to obtain modulation free single-peak pulse, multi-peak pulse, mode-locked resembling pulse and multi-pulse structured pulse shapes in a Q-switched fiber laser output. These observations have been analyzed and explained. Our investigations show that multi-peak pulse output is due to onset of nonlinear phenomena like SBS and SRS. Similarly, we have found that the mode-locked resembling periodically modulated output pulse shape is due to mode beating between the zeroeth order and the first order diffracted beams of the intra-cavity acousto-optic Q-switch.

Design optimisation for obtaining flat, high power supercontinuum source over C + L band.

We propose an optimised fiber design for obtaining spectrally flat, high power supercontinuum (SC) source covering C+L band of optical communication. The design is based on the principle of controlled expansion of SC bandwidth, in the absence of soliton decay, so that a high output power along with smooth spectral profile can be achieved. A detailed optimisation has been carried out with respect to fiber dispersion profile, pulse width and fiber length, and the physical mechanism for each case has been emphasised. Numerical simulations show that single mode output with > 30 dBm (+/- 0.5 dB) optical power is attainable over 90-nm bandwidth with approximately 16 pJ of input pulse energy.

Broadband, lossless, dispersion-compensating asymmetrical twin-core fiber design with flat-gain Raman amplification.

We report here a broadband, lossless, dispersion-compensating asymmetrical twin-core fiber design with flat-gain Raman amplification that uses a single pump. Simulations show that broadband Raman amplification, with +/- 0.1-dB gain ripple, is achievable over a 31-nm bandwidth (1504-1535 nm) by use of a single pump. Amplifier characteristics have been modeled, with the effects of wavelength-dependent splice and background attenuation loss taken into account. The fiber also has a high negative-dispersion coefficient [-230 to -330 ps/(km nm)] over the operating wavelength range and, hence, only 12.5 km of this fiber can compensate for an accumulated dispersion of 240 km of standard transmission fiber. The device is thus proposed as a lossless dispersion-compensating module wherein lossless operation is achieved by use of inherently gain-flattened Raman amplification.

Evaluation of the phenol ammonium sulfate sedimentation smear microscopy method for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the phenol ammonium sulfate (PhAS) sediment smear microscopy method for detection of acid-fast bacilli with those of direct smear microscopy, using culture results for Mycobacterium tuberculosis as the "gold standard." The sensitivities of the PhAS and direct smear methods were 85% (465 of 547) and 83% (454 of 547), respectively, and the specificity of each method was 97%. The PhAS method was better accepted by the laboratory technicians and safer but necessitates an overnight sedimentation, which delays reporting of results until 1 day after sputum collection.