ABSTRACT The use of bio-fuels and fuel blends, specially in automotive industry, has been increas... more ABSTRACT The use of bio-fuels and fuel blends, specially in automotive industry, has been increasing substantially in recent years due to market prices and trends on sustainable development policies. Different spectral analysis techniques for quality control, production, purity, and counterfeit detection have been reported as non-invasive, fast, and price accessible. Raman spectra from three different commercial binary E10 fuel-ethanol blends has been obtained by using a low-cost Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman). Qualitative comparison between the commercial fuel blends and a laboratory-prepared fuel blend have been performed. The characteristic Raman lines from some additives contained in the commercial gasoline have been also observed. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1 with a resolution of 1.66 cm-1. These Raman spectra shows reduced frequency deviation (less than 0.4 cm-1 when compared to standard Raman spectra from cyclohexane and toluene without compensation for instrumental response). Higher resolution values are possible, since the greater optical path lengths of the FT-Raman are achievable before the instrumental physical effects appear. The robust and highly flexible FT-Raman prototype proposed for the spectral analysis, consisting mainly of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter, is able to deliver high resolution and precise Raman spectra with no additional complex hardware or software control. The mechanical and thermal disturbances affecting the FT-Raman system are mathematically compensated by extracting the optical path information from the generated interference pattern of a λ=632.8 nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser), which is used at the spectrum evaluation.
ABSTRACT In order to reduce some of the toxic emissions produced by internal combustion engines, ... more ABSTRACT In order to reduce some of the toxic emissions produced by internal combustion engines, the fossil-based fuels have been combined with less harmful materials in recent years. However, the fuels used in the automotive industry generally contain different additives, such as toluene, as anti-shock agents and as octane number enhancers. These materials can cause certain negative impact, besides the high volatility implied, on public health or environment due to its chemical composition. Toluene, among several other chemical compounds, is an additive widely used in the commercially-available gasoline-ethanol blends. Despite the negative aspects in terms of toxicity that this material might have, the Raman spectral information of toluene can be used to achieve certain level of frequency calibration without using any additional chemical marker in the sample or any other external device. Moreover, the characteristic and well-defined Raman line of this chemical compound at 1003 cm−1 (even at low v/v content) can be used to quantitatively determine certain aspects of the gasoline-ethanol blend under observation. By using an own-designed Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman), we have collected and analyzed different commercially-available and laboratory-prepared gasoline-ethanol blends. By carefully observing the main Raman peaks of toluene in these fuel blends, we have determined the frequency accuracy of the Raman spectra obtained. The spectral information has been obtained in the range of 0 cm−1 to 3500 cm−1 with a spectral resolution of 1.66 cm−1. The Raman spectra obtained presented only reduced frequency deviations in comparison to the standard Raman spectrum of toluene provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical... more ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical systems is highly critical from different points of view: operative, economical, environmental, etc. Furthermore, there are several parameters that a lubricant oil must meet for a proper performance inside a machine. The monitoring of these lubricants can represent a serious issue depending on the analytical approach applied. The molecular change of aging lubricant oils have been analyzed using an all-standard-components and self-designed FT-Raman spectrometer. This analytical tool allows the direct and clean study of the vibrational changes in the molecular structure of the oils without having direct contact with the samples and without extracting the sample from the machine in operation. The FT-Raman spectrometer prototype used in the analysis of the oil samples consist of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a Peltier element arrangement. The light coupling has been accomplished by using a conventional 62.5/125μm multi-mode fiber coupler. The FT-Raman arrangement has been able to extract high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra, comparable to those obtained with commercial FT-Raman systems, from the lubricant oil samples analyzed. The spectral information has helped to determine certain molecular changes in the initial phases of wearing of the oil samples. The proposed instrument prototype has no additional complex hardware components or costly software modules. The mechanical and thermal irregularities influencing the FT-Raman spectrometer have been removed mathematically by accurately evaluating the optical path difference of the Michelson interferometer. This has been achieved by producing an additional interference pattern signal with a λ= 632.8 nm helium-neon laser, which differs from the conventional zero-crossing sampling (also known as Connes advantage) commonly used by FT-devices. It enables the FT-Raman system to perform reliable and clean spectral measurements from the analyzed oil samples.
ABSTRACT The combination of fossil fuels with bio-fuels, specially ethanol and methanol, has acqu... more ABSTRACT The combination of fossil fuels with bio-fuels, specially ethanol and methanol, has acquired relevance and attention in several countries in recent years. A variety of factors have induced this trend: market prices, constant geopolitical events, new sustainability policies and laws, etc. The fuels used in the automotive industry, including bio-fuels, normally contain additives as anti-shock agents and as octane booster. These additives may endanger (beside the high volatility implied) public health or environment due to the nature of its chemical composition. Raman spectral information from different additives, specially toluene, contained in E10 gasoline-ethanol blends has been obtained by using an own-design Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman). This information has been also compared with Raman spectra from pure additives and with standard Raman lines in order to validate its accuracy in frequency. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 cm−1 to 3500 cm−1 with a resolution of 1.66 cm−1. The Raman spectra obtained shows a reduced frequency deviation (less than 0.4 cm−1 when compared to standard Raman spectra from different calibration materials, e.g. cyclohexane and toluene, without compensation for instrumental response). The Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer prototype used for the spectral analysis, consisting of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a three stage Peltier element arrangement, is able to extract high resolution and precise Raman spectra from the additives in the fuels analyzed. The proposed FT-Raman prototype has no additional complex hardware or software control. The mechanical and thermal disturbances affecting the FT-Raman system are mathematically compensated by extracting the optical path information from the generated interference pattern of λ = 632.8nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser), which is used at the spectrum evaluation. This allows the device to be used in complicated environments where certain level of security is required (e.g. fuel production, storage, transportation, etc.).
ABSTRACT A robust, flexible Fourier transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) based on a Michelson ... more ABSTRACT A robust, flexible Fourier transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) based on a Michelson interferometer and a self-made photon counter is presented. The proposed inexpensive setup has no complex hardware or control systems for optical path compensation. The mechanical and thermal induced errors are mathematically compensated by extracting the optical path information from the generated interference pattern of a lambda = 632.8nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser). This information also permits high frequency precision of the calculated Raman spectrum. This system is flexible and allows the user having complete access to hardware and software. It enables a variety of experimental changes in the system, which are difficult to achieve with commercial devices. Precise, high resolution Raman spectra of cyclohexane with a resolution of 1.66 cm-1 to 5.0cm-1 have been measured with this device. Higher resolution values can be achieved since longer scanning distances at the Michelson interferometer are possible and its calculated ´etendue (throughput) does not substantially corrupt the obtained interferograms. Other chemical compounds have been also monitored. Additionally, a detailed spectral analysis of different precision optical components and light sources has been performed.
ABSTRACT The combination of fossil-derived fuels with ethanol and methanol has acquired relevance... more ABSTRACT The combination of fossil-derived fuels with ethanol and methanol has acquired relevance and attention in several countries in recent years. This trend is strongly affected by market prices, constant geopolitical events, new sustainability policies, new laws and regulations, etc. Besides bio-fuels these materials also include different additives as anti-shock agents and as octane enhancer. Some of the chemical compounds in these additives may have harmful properties for both environment and public health (besides the inherent properties, like volatility). We present detailed Raman spectral information from toluene (C7H8) and ethanol (C2H6O) contained in samples of ElO gasoline-ethanol blends. The spectral information has been extracted by using a robust, high resolution Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) prototype. This spectral information has been also compared with Raman spectra from pure additives and with standard Raman lines in order to validate its accuracy in frequency. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1 with a resolution of 1.66cm-1. This allows resolving tight adjacent Raman lines like the ones observed around 1003cm-1 and 1030cm-1 (characteristic lines of toluene). The Raman spectra obtained show a reduced frequency deviation when compared to standard Raman spectra from different calibration materials. The FT-Raman spectrometer prototype used for the analysis consist basically of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a Peltier element arrangement. The light coupling is achieved with conventional62.5/125μm multi-mode fibers. This FT-Raman setup is able to extract high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra from the additives in the fuels analyzed. The proposed prototype has no additional complex hardware components or costly software modules. The mechanical and thermal disturbances affecting the FT-Raman system are mathematically compensated by accurately extracting the optical path information of the Michelson interferometer. This is accomplished by generating an additional interference pattern with a λ = 632.8 nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser). It enables the FT-Raman system to perform reliable and clean spectral measurements from the materials under observation.
ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction li... more ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit of the optical heads used. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the use of the photonic jet allows an improvement in the optical resolution to achieve smaller etching without reducing the wavelength of the source. The potential of the photonic jet using a nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser for micro-fabrication is also demonstrated. These lasers are the most common type of laser used in industrial processes because of their price and the fact that well-packaged sources are available. Their typical spatial resolution in laser etching is limited by the spot size of their focus point at around 25-70 μm. This is the reason why a photonic jet, a high spatial concentration onto a half-wavelength spot of a beam that emerges in the vicinity of a dielectric microsphere, is of great interest. In our experiments, micro-scale glass (ns = 1.5) and BaTiO3 spheres (ns = 1.9) have been used to achieve photonic jets. The etching process has been tested on two substrates: silicon wafers, which have a significant absorption at 1064 nm, and glass plates, which have a lower absorption at this wavelength. The smallest marking achieved on silicon has an average diameter of 1.3 μm and despite the low absorption, micrometric etchings have also been achieved on glass using larger microspheres.
By focusing light with a sphere several wavelengths in diameter, we can obtain a photonic nanojet... more By focusing light with a sphere several wavelengths in diameter, we can obtain a photonic nanojet [Opt. Express 13, 526 (2005)]: if light is focused on the surface of the sphere, the width of the beam stays smaller than the wavelength along a distance of propagation of approximately two wavelengths and reaches a high intensity. We use the rigorous Mie theory to analyze the basic properties of the photonic jet in the general three-dimensional polarized case. This fast algorithm allows us to determine the influence of the radius and the refractive index of the sphere on the photonic jet. The polarization response is also studied. We observe that high-intensity concentrations and subwavelength focusing are two different effects. Their basic properties are analyzed, and explanations are proposed.
ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical... more ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical systems is highly critical from different points of view: operative, economical, environmental, etc. Furthermore, there are several parameters that a lubricant oil must meet for a proper performance inside a machine. The monitoring of these lubricants can represent a serious issue depending on the analytical approach applied. The molecular change of aging lubricant oils have been analyzed using an all-standard-components and self-designed FT-Raman spectrometer. This analytical tool allows the direct and clean study of the vibrational changes in the molecular structure of the oils without having direct contact with the samples and without extracting the sample from the machine in operation. The FT-Raman spectrometer prototype used in the analysis of the oil samples consist of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a Peltier element arrangement. The light coupling has been accomplished by using a conventional 62.5/125μm multi-mode fiber coupler. The FT-Raman arrangement has been able to extract high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra, comparable to those obtained with commercial FT-Raman systems, from the lubricant oil samples analyzed. The spectral information has helped to determine certain molecular changes in the initial phases of wearing of the oil samples. The proposed instrument prototype has no additional complex hardware components or costly software modules. The mechanical and thermal irregularities influencing the FT-Raman spectrometer have been removed mathematically by accurately evaluating the optical path difference of the Michelson interferometer. This has been achieved by producing an additional interference pattern signal with a λ= 632.8 nm helium-neon laser, which differs from the conventional zero-crossing sampling (also known as Connes advantage) commonly used by FT-devices. It enables the FT-Raman system to perform reliable and clean spectral measurements from the analyzed oil samples.
The use of mixtures of oil-based fuels with organic chemical components (e.g. ethanol, methanol) ... more The use of mixtures of oil-based fuels with organic chemical components (e.g. ethanol, methanol) has been gaining ground in recent years. Several countries try nowadays to replace part of the fossil fuels for various reasons including economics, sustainability or optimization of resources. The characteristics of these combustiblerelated chemical component blends can be analyzed by different means. Optical spectral analysis (e.g. Raman, Fourier-transform infrared, etc.) can extract in many cases most of the required information concerning the molecular structure of a determined chemical sample in an effective and clean manner. Experimental detailed Raman spectra from various gasoline-ethanol blends and a gasoline-ethanolmethanol blend are presented. The Raman spectral information obtained has been used for approximated quantitative analysis with no additional chemical marker or complicated calibration methods. The analysis has been performed using a self-designed, low-cost, robust an...
ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction li... more ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit of the optical heads used. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the use of the photonic jet allows an improvement in the optical resolution to achieve smaller etching without reducing the wavelength of the source. The potential of the photonic jet using a nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser for micro-fabrication is also demonstrated. These lasers are the most common type of laser used in industrial processes because of their price and the fact that well-packaged sources are available. Their typical spatial resolution in laser etching is limited by the spot size of their focus point at around 25-70 μm. This is the reason why a photonic jet, a high spatial concentration onto a half-wavelength spot of a beam that emerges in the vicinity of a dielectric microsphere, is of great interest. In our experiments, micro-scale glass (ns = 1.5) and BaTiO3 spheres (ns = 1.9) have been used to achieve photonic jets. The etching process has been tested on two substrates: silicon wafers, which have a significant absorption at 1064 nm, and glass plates, which have a lower absorption at this wavelength. The smallest marking achieved on silicon has an average diameter of 1.3 μm and despite the low absorption, micrometric etchings have also been achieved on glass using larger microspheres.
ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction li... more ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit of the optical heads used. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the use of the photonic jet allows an improvement in the optical resolution to achieve smaller etching without reducing the wavelength of the source. The potential of the photonic jet using a nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser for micro-fabrication is also demonstrated. These lasers are the most common type of laser used in industrial processes because of their price and the fact that well-packaged sources are available. Their typical spatial resolution in laser etching is limited by the spot size of their focus point at around 25-70 μm. This is the reason why a photonic jet, a high spatial concentration onto a half-wavelength spot of a beam that emerges in the vicinity of a dielectric microsphere, is of great interest. In our experiments, micro-scale glass (ns = 1.5) and BaTiO3 spheres (ns = 1.9) have been used to achieve photonic jets. The etching process has been tested on two substrates: silicon wafers, which have a significant absorption at 1064 nm, and glass plates, which have a lower absorption at this wavelength. The smallest marking achieved on silicon has an average diameter of 1.3 μm and despite the low absorption, micrometric etchings have also been achieved on glass using larger microspheres.
ABSTRACT The use of bio-fuels and fuel blends, specially in automotive industry, has been increas... more ABSTRACT The use of bio-fuels and fuel blends, specially in automotive industry, has been increasing substantially in recent years due to market prices and trends on sustainable development policies. Different spectral analysis techniques for quality control, production, purity, and counterfeit detection have been reported as non-invasive, fast, and price accessible. Raman spectra from three different commercial binary E10 fuel-ethanol blends has been obtained by using a low-cost Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman). Qualitative comparison between the commercial fuel blends and a laboratory-prepared fuel blend have been performed. The characteristic Raman lines from some additives contained in the commercial gasoline have been also observed. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1 with a resolution of 1.66 cm-1. These Raman spectra shows reduced frequency deviation (less than 0.4 cm-1 when compared to standard Raman spectra from cyclohexane and toluene without compensation for instrumental response). Higher resolution values are possible, since the greater optical path lengths of the FT-Raman are achievable before the instrumental physical effects appear. The robust and highly flexible FT-Raman prototype proposed for the spectral analysis, consisting mainly of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter, is able to deliver high resolution and precise Raman spectra with no additional complex hardware or software control. The mechanical and thermal disturbances affecting the FT-Raman system are mathematically compensated by extracting the optical path information from the generated interference pattern of a λ=632.8 nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser), which is used at the spectrum evaluation.
ABSTRACT In order to reduce some of the toxic emissions produced by internal combustion engines, ... more ABSTRACT In order to reduce some of the toxic emissions produced by internal combustion engines, the fossil-based fuels have been combined with less harmful materials in recent years. However, the fuels used in the automotive industry generally contain different additives, such as toluene, as anti-shock agents and as octane number enhancers. These materials can cause certain negative impact, besides the high volatility implied, on public health or environment due to its chemical composition. Toluene, among several other chemical compounds, is an additive widely used in the commercially-available gasoline-ethanol blends. Despite the negative aspects in terms of toxicity that this material might have, the Raman spectral information of toluene can be used to achieve certain level of frequency calibration without using any additional chemical marker in the sample or any other external device. Moreover, the characteristic and well-defined Raman line of this chemical compound at 1003 cm−1 (even at low v/v content) can be used to quantitatively determine certain aspects of the gasoline-ethanol blend under observation. By using an own-designed Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman), we have collected and analyzed different commercially-available and laboratory-prepared gasoline-ethanol blends. By carefully observing the main Raman peaks of toluene in these fuel blends, we have determined the frequency accuracy of the Raman spectra obtained. The spectral information has been obtained in the range of 0 cm−1 to 3500 cm−1 with a spectral resolution of 1.66 cm−1. The Raman spectra obtained presented only reduced frequency deviations in comparison to the standard Raman spectrum of toluene provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical... more ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical systems is highly critical from different points of view: operative, economical, environmental, etc. Furthermore, there are several parameters that a lubricant oil must meet for a proper performance inside a machine. The monitoring of these lubricants can represent a serious issue depending on the analytical approach applied. The molecular change of aging lubricant oils have been analyzed using an all-standard-components and self-designed FT-Raman spectrometer. This analytical tool allows the direct and clean study of the vibrational changes in the molecular structure of the oils without having direct contact with the samples and without extracting the sample from the machine in operation. The FT-Raman spectrometer prototype used in the analysis of the oil samples consist of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a Peltier element arrangement. The light coupling has been accomplished by using a conventional 62.5/125μm multi-mode fiber coupler. The FT-Raman arrangement has been able to extract high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra, comparable to those obtained with commercial FT-Raman systems, from the lubricant oil samples analyzed. The spectral information has helped to determine certain molecular changes in the initial phases of wearing of the oil samples. The proposed instrument prototype has no additional complex hardware components or costly software modules. The mechanical and thermal irregularities influencing the FT-Raman spectrometer have been removed mathematically by accurately evaluating the optical path difference of the Michelson interferometer. This has been achieved by producing an additional interference pattern signal with a λ= 632.8 nm helium-neon laser, which differs from the conventional zero-crossing sampling (also known as Connes advantage) commonly used by FT-devices. It enables the FT-Raman system to perform reliable and clean spectral measurements from the analyzed oil samples.
ABSTRACT The combination of fossil fuels with bio-fuels, specially ethanol and methanol, has acqu... more ABSTRACT The combination of fossil fuels with bio-fuels, specially ethanol and methanol, has acquired relevance and attention in several countries in recent years. A variety of factors have induced this trend: market prices, constant geopolitical events, new sustainability policies and laws, etc. The fuels used in the automotive industry, including bio-fuels, normally contain additives as anti-shock agents and as octane booster. These additives may endanger (beside the high volatility implied) public health or environment due to the nature of its chemical composition. Raman spectral information from different additives, specially toluene, contained in E10 gasoline-ethanol blends has been obtained by using an own-design Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman). This information has been also compared with Raman spectra from pure additives and with standard Raman lines in order to validate its accuracy in frequency. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 cm−1 to 3500 cm−1 with a resolution of 1.66 cm−1. The Raman spectra obtained shows a reduced frequency deviation (less than 0.4 cm−1 when compared to standard Raman spectra from different calibration materials, e.g. cyclohexane and toluene, without compensation for instrumental response). The Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer prototype used for the spectral analysis, consisting of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a three stage Peltier element arrangement, is able to extract high resolution and precise Raman spectra from the additives in the fuels analyzed. The proposed FT-Raman prototype has no additional complex hardware or software control. The mechanical and thermal disturbances affecting the FT-Raman system are mathematically compensated by extracting the optical path information from the generated interference pattern of λ = 632.8nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser), which is used at the spectrum evaluation. This allows the device to be used in complicated environments where certain level of security is required (e.g. fuel production, storage, transportation, etc.).
ABSTRACT A robust, flexible Fourier transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) based on a Michelson ... more ABSTRACT A robust, flexible Fourier transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) based on a Michelson interferometer and a self-made photon counter is presented. The proposed inexpensive setup has no complex hardware or control systems for optical path compensation. The mechanical and thermal induced errors are mathematically compensated by extracting the optical path information from the generated interference pattern of a lambda = 632.8nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser). This information also permits high frequency precision of the calculated Raman spectrum. This system is flexible and allows the user having complete access to hardware and software. It enables a variety of experimental changes in the system, which are difficult to achieve with commercial devices. Precise, high resolution Raman spectra of cyclohexane with a resolution of 1.66 cm-1 to 5.0cm-1 have been measured with this device. Higher resolution values can be achieved since longer scanning distances at the Michelson interferometer are possible and its calculated ´etendue (throughput) does not substantially corrupt the obtained interferograms. Other chemical compounds have been also monitored. Additionally, a detailed spectral analysis of different precision optical components and light sources has been performed.
ABSTRACT The combination of fossil-derived fuels with ethanol and methanol has acquired relevance... more ABSTRACT The combination of fossil-derived fuels with ethanol and methanol has acquired relevance and attention in several countries in recent years. This trend is strongly affected by market prices, constant geopolitical events, new sustainability policies, new laws and regulations, etc. Besides bio-fuels these materials also include different additives as anti-shock agents and as octane enhancer. Some of the chemical compounds in these additives may have harmful properties for both environment and public health (besides the inherent properties, like volatility). We present detailed Raman spectral information from toluene (C7H8) and ethanol (C2H6O) contained in samples of ElO gasoline-ethanol blends. The spectral information has been extracted by using a robust, high resolution Fourier-Transform Raman spectrometer (FT-Raman) prototype. This spectral information has been also compared with Raman spectra from pure additives and with standard Raman lines in order to validate its accuracy in frequency. The spectral information is presented in the range of 0 cm-1 to 3500 cm-1 with a resolution of 1.66cm-1. This allows resolving tight adjacent Raman lines like the ones observed around 1003cm-1 and 1030cm-1 (characteristic lines of toluene). The Raman spectra obtained show a reduced frequency deviation when compared to standard Raman spectra from different calibration materials. The FT-Raman spectrometer prototype used for the analysis consist basically of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a Peltier element arrangement. The light coupling is achieved with conventional62.5/125μm multi-mode fibers. This FT-Raman setup is able to extract high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra from the additives in the fuels analyzed. The proposed prototype has no additional complex hardware components or costly software modules. The mechanical and thermal disturbances affecting the FT-Raman system are mathematically compensated by accurately extracting the optical path information of the Michelson interferometer. This is accomplished by generating an additional interference pattern with a λ = 632.8 nm Helium-Neon laser (HeNe laser). It enables the FT-Raman system to perform reliable and clean spectral measurements from the materials under observation.
ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction li... more ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit of the optical heads used. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the use of the photonic jet allows an improvement in the optical resolution to achieve smaller etching without reducing the wavelength of the source. The potential of the photonic jet using a nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser for micro-fabrication is also demonstrated. These lasers are the most common type of laser used in industrial processes because of their price and the fact that well-packaged sources are available. Their typical spatial resolution in laser etching is limited by the spot size of their focus point at around 25-70 μm. This is the reason why a photonic jet, a high spatial concentration onto a half-wavelength spot of a beam that emerges in the vicinity of a dielectric microsphere, is of great interest. In our experiments, micro-scale glass (ns = 1.5) and BaTiO3 spheres (ns = 1.9) have been used to achieve photonic jets. The etching process has been tested on two substrates: silicon wafers, which have a significant absorption at 1064 nm, and glass plates, which have a lower absorption at this wavelength. The smallest marking achieved on silicon has an average diameter of 1.3 μm and despite the low absorption, micrometric etchings have also been achieved on glass using larger microspheres.
By focusing light with a sphere several wavelengths in diameter, we can obtain a photonic nanojet... more By focusing light with a sphere several wavelengths in diameter, we can obtain a photonic nanojet [Opt. Express 13, 526 (2005)]: if light is focused on the surface of the sphere, the width of the beam stays smaller than the wavelength along a distance of propagation of approximately two wavelengths and reaches a high intensity. We use the rigorous Mie theory to analyze the basic properties of the photonic jet in the general three-dimensional polarized case. This fast algorithm allows us to determine the influence of the radius and the refractive index of the sphere on the photonic jet. The polarization response is also studied. We observe that high-intensity concentrations and subwavelength focusing are two different effects. Their basic properties are analyzed, and explanations are proposed.
ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical... more ABSTRACT The determination of the physical state of the lubricant materials in complex mechanical systems is highly critical from different points of view: operative, economical, environmental, etc. Furthermore, there are several parameters that a lubricant oil must meet for a proper performance inside a machine. The monitoring of these lubricants can represent a serious issue depending on the analytical approach applied. The molecular change of aging lubricant oils have been analyzed using an all-standard-components and self-designed FT-Raman spectrometer. This analytical tool allows the direct and clean study of the vibrational changes in the molecular structure of the oils without having direct contact with the samples and without extracting the sample from the machine in operation. The FT-Raman spectrometer prototype used in the analysis of the oil samples consist of a Michelson interferometer and a self-designed photon counter cooled down on a Peltier element arrangement. The light coupling has been accomplished by using a conventional 62.5/125μm multi-mode fiber coupler. The FT-Raman arrangement has been able to extract high resolution and frequency precise Raman spectra, comparable to those obtained with commercial FT-Raman systems, from the lubricant oil samples analyzed. The spectral information has helped to determine certain molecular changes in the initial phases of wearing of the oil samples. The proposed instrument prototype has no additional complex hardware components or costly software modules. The mechanical and thermal irregularities influencing the FT-Raman spectrometer have been removed mathematically by accurately evaluating the optical path difference of the Michelson interferometer. This has been achieved by producing an additional interference pattern signal with a λ= 632.8 nm helium-neon laser, which differs from the conventional zero-crossing sampling (also known as Connes advantage) commonly used by FT-devices. It enables the FT-Raman system to perform reliable and clean spectral measurements from the analyzed oil samples.
The use of mixtures of oil-based fuels with organic chemical components (e.g. ethanol, methanol) ... more The use of mixtures of oil-based fuels with organic chemical components (e.g. ethanol, methanol) has been gaining ground in recent years. Several countries try nowadays to replace part of the fossil fuels for various reasons including economics, sustainability or optimization of resources. The characteristics of these combustiblerelated chemical component blends can be analyzed by different means. Optical spectral analysis (e.g. Raman, Fourier-transform infrared, etc.) can extract in many cases most of the required information concerning the molecular structure of a determined chemical sample in an effective and clean manner. Experimental detailed Raman spectra from various gasoline-ethanol blends and a gasoline-ethanolmethanol blend are presented. The Raman spectral information obtained has been used for approximated quantitative analysis with no additional chemical marker or complicated calibration methods. The analysis has been performed using a self-designed, low-cost, robust an...
ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction li... more ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit of the optical heads used. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the use of the photonic jet allows an improvement in the optical resolution to achieve smaller etching without reducing the wavelength of the source. The potential of the photonic jet using a nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser for micro-fabrication is also demonstrated. These lasers are the most common type of laser used in industrial processes because of their price and the fact that well-packaged sources are available. Their typical spatial resolution in laser etching is limited by the spot size of their focus point at around 25-70 μm. This is the reason why a photonic jet, a high spatial concentration onto a half-wavelength spot of a beam that emerges in the vicinity of a dielectric microsphere, is of great interest. In our experiments, micro-scale glass (ns = 1.5) and BaTiO3 spheres (ns = 1.9) have been used to achieve photonic jets. The etching process has been tested on two substrates: silicon wafers, which have a significant absorption at 1064 nm, and glass plates, which have a lower absorption at this wavelength. The smallest marking achieved on silicon has an average diameter of 1.3 μm and despite the low absorption, micrometric etchings have also been achieved on glass using larger microspheres.
ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction li... more ABSTRACT The techniques applying laser beams or optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit of the optical heads used. We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the use of the photonic jet allows an improvement in the optical resolution to achieve smaller etching without reducing the wavelength of the source. The potential of the photonic jet using a nanosecond pulsed near-infrared laser for micro-fabrication is also demonstrated. These lasers are the most common type of laser used in industrial processes because of their price and the fact that well-packaged sources are available. Their typical spatial resolution in laser etching is limited by the spot size of their focus point at around 25-70 μm. This is the reason why a photonic jet, a high spatial concentration onto a half-wavelength spot of a beam that emerges in the vicinity of a dielectric microsphere, is of great interest. In our experiments, micro-scale glass (ns = 1.5) and BaTiO3 spheres (ns = 1.9) have been used to achieve photonic jets. The etching process has been tested on two substrates: silicon wafers, which have a significant absorption at 1064 nm, and glass plates, which have a lower absorption at this wavelength. The smallest marking achieved on silicon has an average diameter of 1.3 μm and despite the low absorption, micrometric etchings have also been achieved on glass using larger microspheres.
Uploads