Real-time holographic vibrometry with a ferroelectric liquid-crystal spatial light modulator

Real-time monitoring of vibration fringe patterns by optical reconstruction of digital holograms: mode beating detection

A new technique capable of monitoring two-dimensional vibration fringe patterns in real-time is presented. It is based on optical reconstructing of time-averaged digital holograms. Recording of the holograms is realized in a quasi-Fourier off-axis setup whilst reconstructing in an extended Fourier transform setup capable of spatial filtering of the hologram reconstructions. The effectiveness of the proposed device, tested on a silicon wafer, was verified by performing operations such as monitoring of vibration modes, adjusting the hologram recording parameters, or searching for resonant frequencies. Additionally, mode beating between two distant vibration frequencies is observed and reported. The proposed technique is suitable for various scientific and industrial applications.

Large-area Fabry-Perot modulator based on electro-optic polymers

We present a large-area electro-optic Fabry-Perot modulator utilizing a photoaddressable bis-azo polymer placed between two dielectric mirrors with an open aperture of 2 cm. A modulation efficiency of 1% at an effective modulation voltage of 20 V for a wavelength of 1.55 microm is demonstrated. By comparing distance tuning of the cavity with wavelength tuning, an effective electro-optic coefficient of -7 pm/V is measured.

Solvent and temperature effects on the chiral aggregation of poly(alkylarylsilane)s bearing remote chiral groups

Novel switchable chiroptical characteristics of poly(alkylarylsilane) microaggregates, controllable by the choice of good/poor solvent ratio (solvent polarity), solvent addition order, and sample temperature are described. The formation of stable chiral aggregates depends critically on the polysilane structure and stereochemistry. Poly[n-hexyl-(p-(S)-2-methylbutoxyphenyl)silane] (1), optically inactive in molecularly dispersed THF solution due to the existence of dynamically equivalent amounts of right (P)- and left (M)-handed screw sense helical main chain domains, shows a marked bisignate CD signal due to the formation of chiral aggregates in good/poor cosolvent systems. The sign and magnitude of the CD signals are dependent on solvent polarity, solvent addition order, and thermal effects. The less sterically hindered poly[methyl-(p-(S)-2-methylbutoxyphenyl)silane] (2) exhibits a weak, bisignate, nonswitchable CD signal in only the toluene/acetonitrile system, and no CD signals are evident in pure toluene or THF due to masking of the helicity. In contrast, although the even less sterically hindered, less polar poly[methyl-(m-(S)-2-methylbutoxyphenyl)silane] (3) does show optical activity in pure THF or toluene (negative CD signal at 310 nm), the CD signal disappears on formation of aggregates in good/poor cosolvent systems.