Parametric amplification and instability in time-periodic dielectric slabs.

We study the phenomenon of parametric amplification in the context of time-periodic dielectric slabs. These structures show particular promise inasmuch as they are capable of very large amplifications when illuminated by an electromagnetic wave of half the modulation frequency. Successive studies have corroborated this finding but none have yet been able to ascertain the nature of amplification in such devices. On top of that, some studies have raised speculations regarding the instability of a time-periodic slab which are off the mark. The problem lies in the poor understanding (or lack thereof) of the mathematical devices necessary to tackle such problems. We successfully carry out the tasks by tapping into the rich mathematical theory of Hill's equation. Specifically, we make use of the Folquet's theorem in its complete form which brings to light novel physical phenomena that the more prevalent simplified form fails to account for. Also, useful mathematical concepts such as coexistence are employed which to the best of our knowledge have not yet been applied in the field of time-varying optics. Our analytical method proves an effective means of assessing the amplifier's performance, e.g., estimating how long it takes for the device to reach steady state. We further delineate the link between amplification and instability and correct the misconceptions surrounding the subject by presenting a rigorous analysis of the instability problem in such structures.

Investigating non-reciprocity in time-periodic media using a perturbative approach.

Lorentz famous theorem leads to clear reciprocity conditions for linear, time-invariant media based on their constitutive parameters. By contrast, reciprocity conditions for linear time-varying media are not fully explored. In this paper, we investigate whether, and how a structure containing a time-periodic medium can be truly identified as reciprocal or not. To that end, a necessary and sufficient condition is derived which requires both the constitutive parameters and the electromagnetic fields inside the dynamic structure. As solving for the fields for such problems is challenging, a perturbative approach is proposed which expresses the aforementioned non-reciprocity condition in terms of the electromagnetic fields and the Green's functions of the unperturbed static problem and is particularly applicable for the case of structures with weak time modulation. Reciprocity of two famous canonical time-varying structures are then studied using the proposed approach and their reciprocity/non-reciprocity is investigated. In the case of one-dimensional propagation in a static medium with two point-wise modulations, our proposed theory clearly explains the often observed maximization of non-reciprocity when the modulation phase difference between the two points is 90 degrees. In order to validate the perturbative approach, analytical and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) methods are employed. Then, solutions are compared and considerable agreement between them is observed.

Variational-based approach to investigate Fano resonant plasmonic metasurfaces.

Considering the widespread applications of resonant phenomena in metasurfaces to bend, slow, concentrate, guide and manipulate lights, it is important to gain deep analytical insight into different types of resonances. Fano resonance and its special case electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) which are realized in coupled resonators, have been the subject of many studies due to their high-quality factor and strong field confinement. In this paper, an efficient approach based on Floquet modal expansion is presented to accurately predict the electromagnetic response of two-dimensional/one-dimensional Fano resonant plasmonic metasurfaces. Unlike the previously reported methods, this method is valid over a wide frequency range for different types of coupled resonators and can be applied to practical structures where the array is placed on one or more dielectric layers. Given that the formulation is written in a comprehensive and flexible way, both metal-based and graphene-based plasmonic metasurfaces under normal/oblique incident waves are investigated, and it is demonstrated that this method can be posed as an accurate tool for the design of diverse practical tunable/untunable metasurfaces.

Frequency conversion in time-varying graphene microribbon arrays.

We investigate the possibility of frequency conversion in time-varying metasurfaces, composed of graphene microribbon arrays (GMRAs) with time-periodic modulation of their conductivity. We present a quasi-static model for the interaction of light with a temporally modulated metasurface, as well as an accurate analytical treatment of the problem of time-varying GMRAs. Results coming from numerical simulations are also available. We provide corrections to a previous related proposal for frequency conversion and refute the possibility of attaining frequency shifts not equal to an integral multiple of modulation frequency. Contrary to the preceding results, our findings show that efficient frequency conversion demands more requisites than single-layer GMRAs can supply and that its requirements can be addressed successfully by a multi-layer design.

Generalized equivalent circuit model for analysis of graphene/metal-based plasmonic metasurfaces using Floquet expansion.

Due to the wide range of applications of metal/graphene-based plasmonic metasurfaces (sensors, absorbers, polarizers), it has become essential to provide an analytical method for modeling these structures. An analytical solution simplified into a circuit model, in addition to greatly reducing the simulation time, can become an essential tool for designing and predicting the behaviors of these structures. This paper presents a high-precision equivalent circuit model to study these structures in one-dimensional and two-dimensional periodic arrays. In the developed model, metallic patches similar to graphene patches are modeled as surface conductivity and with the help of current modes induced on them, the equivalent impedance related to the array is calculated. However, the proposed method has less complexity than the previous methods, is more accurate and more flexible against geometry changes and can be applied to an array of patches embedded in a layered medium with minor changes and modifications. A Metal-Insulator-Metal metasurface, as well as an array of graphene ribbons placed on two dielectric layers, are investigated as two types of widely used metasurfaces in this paper and it is shown that the proposed circuit model is a fast and efficient method to predict the behaviors of these metasurfaces.

Frequency conversion and parametric amplification using a virtually rotating metasurface.

We analyze the scattering of circularly polarized electromagnetic waves from a time-varying metasurface having a time-dependent surface susceptibility that locally mimics a rotating, anisotropic surface. Such virtually rotating metasurfaces (VRM) can be realized by means of electronically tunable surface elements and reach microwave-range rotation frequencies. It is shown that the scattered field contains the incident tone, as well as a single up-or down converted tone which differs by twice the rotation frequency of the surface. A simple full frequency converter is then proposed by augmenting the VRM with a metal screen separated by a proper distance. It is shown that after reflection from this system, the incident tone is fully converted to a single down- or up-converted tone, and shows amplification in the case of up conversion. The analysis of these time-rotating scenarios is carried out by switching to a rotating frame for the fields, leading to time-invariant equations, and thus using common phasor-representation. All results are also validated against an in-house 1D-FDTD code showing excellent agreement. A lumped element model using a 2D periodic metal mesh grid loaded with time-varying capacitive nodes is also presented that enables the VRM concept. This model is then further used to design a 3D realization, verified with static full-wave simulations for different values of the capacitor arrangement. Furthermore, the effect of piece-wise constant changes of surface susceptibility in a general virtually rotating metasurface is studied and it is shown to operate with acceptable results, which is of practical importance. The results of this paper can open new ways for realization of frequency conversion and amplification, in a magnetless and linear time-varying system.

Optical isolation enabled by two time-modulated point perturbations in a ring resonator.

In this paper we achieve non-reciprocity in a silicon optical ring resonator, by introducing two small time-modulated perturbations into the ring. Isolators are designed using this time-perturbed ring, side-coupled to waveguides. The underlying operation of the time-modulated ring and isolator is analyzed using Temporal Coupled Mode Theory (TCMT). The TCMT is used to find the angular distance, phase difference and thickness of the two time-modulated points on the ring resonator and also to find and justify the optimum values for the modulation frequency and amplitude, which yields maximum isolation in the isolator arrangements. Insight into the major players that determine isolation are also presented, with the aid of TCMT. Our proposed structure is much simpler to implement compared to other ring-based optical isolators, as it does not require spatio-temporal modulation, or large regions with modulation, but only two point perturbations on the ring. All results are obtained using realistic values of modulation and validated using an in-house full-wave solver. We achieve 21 dB isolation and -0.25 dB insertion loss at the telecommunication wavelengths.

Analytical and rigorous method for analysis of an array of magnetically-biased graphene ribbons.

A sheet of graphene under magnetic bias attains anisotropic surface conductivity, opening the door for realizing compact devices such as Faraday rotators, isolators and circulators. In this paper, an accurate and analytical method is proposed for a periodic array of graphene ribbons under magnetic bias. The method is based on integral equations governing the induced surface currents on the coplanar array of graphene ribbons. For subwavelength size ribbons subjected to an incident plane wave, the current distribution is derived leading to analytical expressions for the reflection/transmission coefficients. The results obtained are in excellent agreement with full-wave simulations and predict resonant spectral effects that cannot be accounted for by existing semi-analytical methods. Finally, we extract an analytical, closed form solution for the Faraday rotation of magnetically-biased graphene ribbons. In contrast to previous studies, this paper presents a fast, precise and reliable technique for analyzing magnetically-biased array of graphene ribbons, which are one of the most popular graphene-based structures.

Analysis of anisotropic epsilon-near-zero hetero-junction lens for concentration and beam splitting.

In this Letter, we analyze a recently reported hetero-junction lens of two anisotropic epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) media for its concentration and beam splitting properties. The equivalent lensmakers' equation of the concentrating mechanism is first derived using geometrical optics and dispersion relations; and aberrations are discussed. It is shown that the light concentrator's focal distance is directly proportional to the thickness of the lens, opposite to conventional dielectric lenses. It is then shown that the same hetero-junction structure can be used as a near-field beam-splitter when illuminated from the back, in addition to its concentration property. Equal and unequal beam splitting, as well as beam shifting can be achieved using a very thin device.

Effect of low dose nebulized morphine on respiratory function improvement in mustard gas-exposed patients: A double-blind crossover clinical trial study.

Background: Mustard is one of the most destructive chemical gases used in chemical warfare. Several studies showed effectiveness of inhaled morphine as a secondary treatment for the improvement of dyspnea. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the efficacy of low dose inhaled morphine for respiratory function improvement in patients who were exposed to the mustard gas. Methods: This study was designed as a cross-over double-blinded clinical trial. Patients exposed to mustard gas were randomly assigned into two groups: 1) received 0.4 mg of morphine by inhalation and 2) received 5 ml of normal saline serum as a placebo in the same manner. After a washout period of one week, the first group received the placebo and the second group received morphine for 5 days. Spirometric indices, expiratory flow peak, exercise test, severity of dyspnea, and quality of life were evaluated as respiratory function parameters. Data analysis was done using SPSS software Version 16. Results: The mean maximum expiratory flow was significantly higher among cases who used morphine in comparison with the placebo group (p<0.05). Moreover, the severity of dyspnea, quality of life, and the frequency of coughing during the day were significantly improved among the recipients of morphine (p<0.05) while the spirometric indices and exercise tolerance tests were similar between the two groups (p>0.05), but the mean peak expiratory flow (PEFR) was significantly higher among the patients receiving morphine than the placebo patients (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of inhaled morphine had a significant positive effect on the respiratory system of people exposed to mustard gas. We can use low doses of inhaled morphine to improve the respiratory function of these patients as a secondary therapy.

Voice Quality and Vocal Tract Discomfort Symptoms in Patients With COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Dysphonia and laryngeal problems are some of the manifestations of the COVID-19 pandemic due to respiratory disease as a primary effect of COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to investigate voice quality and vocal tract discomfort symptoms in patients with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four COVID-19 patients with a mean age of 49.61 ± 16.48 years and 44 healthy subjects with a mean age of 48.52 ± 13.8 years participated in the study. The voice quality of the participants was evaluated using auditory-perceptual evaluation with the Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain (GRBAS) scale. The vocal tract discomfort symptoms of the participants were assessed using the Persian version of the VTD scale. RESULTS: Patients with COVID-19 had higher scores in all items of the GRBAS, including grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain, than healthy subjects, and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Among the GRBAS parameters, grade had the highest effect size and asthenia had the lowest effect size in both speech tasks. The COVID-19 patients had a greater frequency of vocal tract discomfort symptoms than healthy subjects in all items of the VTDp scale and these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) in the following items: burning, tight, dry, pain, sore, irritable, and lump in the throat. The most and the least effect size in frequency of the vocal tract discomfort symptoms were related to dry (d = 1.502) and tickling (d = 0.157), respectively. Also, COVID-19 patients had more significant severity in all items of the VTDp scale except tight and tickling. The most and the least effect size in severity of the vocal tract discomfort symptoms was related to dry (d = 1.416) and tickling (d = 0.152), respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that COVID-19 patients have more deviations in voice quality than healthy subjects. Moreover, mild vocal tract discomfort is prevalent in patients with COVID-19, and patients have more frequent and severe physical discomforts of the vocal tract than healthy subjects.

Safety and efficacy of Favipiravir in moderate to severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: We examined the safety and efficacy of a treatment protocol containing Favipiravir for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We did a multicenter randomized open-labeled clinical trial on moderate to severe cases infections of SARS-CoV-2. Patients with typical ground glass appearance on chest computerized tomography scan (CT scan) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) of less than 93% were enrolled. They were randomly allocated into Favipiravir (1.6 gr loading, 1.8 gr daily) and Lopinavir/Ritonavir (800/200 mg daily) treatment regimens in addition to standard care. In-hospital mortality, ICU admission, intubation, time to clinical recovery, changes in daily SpO2 after 5 min discontinuation of supplemental oxygen, and length of hospital stay were quantified and compared in the two groups. RESULTS: 380 patients were randomly allocated into Favipiravir (193) and Lopinavir/Ritonavir (187) groups in 13 centers. The number of deaths, intubations, and ICU admissions were not significantly different (26, 27, 31 and 21, 17, 25 respectively). Mean hospital stay was also not different (7.9 days [SD = 6] in the Favipiravir and 8.1 [SD = 6.5] days in Lopinavir/Ritonavir groups) (p = 0.61). Time to clinical recovery in the Favipiravir group was similar to Lopinavir/Ritonavir group (HR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.75 - 1.17) and likewise the changes in the daily SpO2 after discontinuation of supplemental oxygen (p = 0.46) CONCLUSION: Adding Favipiravir to the treatment protocol did not reduce the number of ICU admissions or intubations or In-hospital mortality compared to Lopinavir/Ritonavir regimen. It also did not shorten time to clinical recovery and length of hospital stay.

Wide-band/angle Blazed Surfaces using Multiple Coupled Blazing Resonances.

Blazed gratings can reflect an oblique incident wave back in the path of incidence, unlike mirrors and metal plates that only reflect specular waves. Perfect blazing (and zero specular scattering) is a type of Wood's anomaly that has been observed when a resonance condition occurs in the unit-cell of the blazed grating. Such elusive anomalies have been studied thus far as individual perfect blazing points. In this work, we present reflective blazed surfaces that, by design, have multiple coupled blazing resonances per cell. This enables an unprecedented way of tailoring the blazing operation, for widening and/or controlling of blazing bandwidth and incident angle range of operation. The surface can thus achieve blazing at multiple wavelengths, each corresponding to different incident wavenumbers. The multiple blazing resonances are combined similar to the case of coupled resonator filters, forming a blazing passband between the incident wave and the first grating order. Blazed gratings with single and multi-pole blazing passbands are fabricated and measured showing increase in the bandwidth of blazing/specular-reflection-rejection, demonstrated here at X-band for convenience. If translated to appropriate frequencies, such technique can impact various applications such as Littrow cavities and lasers, spectroscopy, radar, and frequency scanned antenna reflectors.

Dirac leaky-wave antennas for continuous beam scanning from photonic crystals.

Leaky-Wave Antennas (LWAs) enable directive and scannable radiation patterns, which are highly desirable attributes at terahertz, infrared and optical frequencies. However, a LWA is generally incapable of continuous beam scanning through broadside, due to an open stopband in its dispersion characteristic. This issue is yet to be addressed at frequencies beyond microwaves, mainly as existing microwave solutions (for example, transmission line metamaterials) are unavailable at these higher frequencies. Here we report leaky-wave radiation from the interface of a photonic crystal (PC) with a Dirac-type dispersion and air. The resulting Dirac LWA (DLWA) can radiate at broadside, chiefly owing to the closed Γ-point bandgap of the Dirac PC. Thus, the DLWA can continuously scan a directive beam over a wide range of angles by varying the frequency. These DLWAs can be designed at microwave as well as terahertz to optical frequencies, with feasible dimensions and low losses.