Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Student Researcher

Daya Bay Neutrino Oscillation Experiment
- Collaborated in a multicultural/multi-language 200 person experiment discovering the last neutrino mixing angle, θ_13, leading to the 2nd most significant discovery for 2012 by the journal, Science
- Due to dedication and perseverance, selected as the only undergraduate on-site collaborator during the assembly phase of the first antineutrino detector (AD) for three months in Dapeng, Guangdong, China

Texas A&M University

Assistant Instructional Professor

John worked at Texas A&M University as a Assistant Instructional Professor

Texas A&M University

Researcher

- Identified the scattering-independent optical absorption spectrum of pure water from 250- 550 nm
- Discovered a new minimum in the optical absorption spectrum of pure water and provided the first known observation of the 9th harmonic of pure water

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

J. Mod. Opt. 2015, Vol. 63, Issue 1, pp.76-79

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

J. Mod. Opt. 2015, Vol. 63, Issue 1, pp.76-79

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.

Ultraviolet (250-550 nm) absorption spectrum of pure water

Appl. Opt. 2016, Vol. 55, Issue 25, pp. 7163-7172

Data for the spectral light absorption of pure water from 250 to 550 nm have been obtained using an integrating cavity made from a newly developed diffuse reflector with a very high UV reflectivity. The data provide the first scattering-independent measurements of absorption coefficients in the spectral gap between well-established literature values for the absorption coefficients in the visible (>400  nm>400  nm) and UV (<200  nm<200  nm). A minimum in the absorption coefficient has been observed in the UV at 344 nm; the value is 0.000811±0.000227  m−10.000811±0.000227  m−1.

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

J. Mod. Opt. 2015, Vol. 63, Issue 1, pp.76-79

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.

Ultraviolet (250-550 nm) absorption spectrum of pure water

Appl. Opt. 2016, Vol. 55, Issue 25, pp. 7163-7172

Data for the spectral light absorption of pure water from 250 to 550 nm have been obtained using an integrating cavity made from a newly developed diffuse reflector with a very high UV reflectivity. The data provide the first scattering-independent measurements of absorption coefficients in the spectral gap between well-established literature values for the absorption coefficients in the visible (>400  nm>400  nm) and UV (<200  nm<200  nm). A minimum in the absorption coefficient has been observed in the UV at 344 nm; the value is 0.000811±0.000227  m−10.000811±0.000227  m−1.

Bright Emission From A Random Raman Laser

Nature Communications 2014, Issue 5, Art. Num 4356

Random lasers are a developing class of light sources that utilize a highly disordered gain medium as opposed to a conventional optical cavity. Although traditional random lasers often have a relatively broad emission spectrum, a random laser that utilizes vibration transitions via Raman scattering allows for an extremely narrow bandwidth, on the order of 10 cm−1. Here we demonstrate the first experimental evidence of lasing via a Raman interaction in a bulk three-dimensional random medium, with conversion efficiencies on the order of a few percent. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of nonlinear processes in turbid media. In addition to providing a large signal, characteristic of the Raman medium, the random Raman laser offers us an entirely new tool for studying the dynamics of gain in a turbid medium.

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

J. Mod. Opt. 2015, Vol. 63, Issue 1, pp.76-79

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.

Ultraviolet (250-550 nm) absorption spectrum of pure water

Appl. Opt. 2016, Vol. 55, Issue 25, pp. 7163-7172

Data for the spectral light absorption of pure water from 250 to 550 nm have been obtained using an integrating cavity made from a newly developed diffuse reflector with a very high UV reflectivity. The data provide the first scattering-independent measurements of absorption coefficients in the spectral gap between well-established literature values for the absorption coefficients in the visible (>400  nm>400  nm) and UV (<200  nm<200  nm). A minimum in the absorption coefficient has been observed in the UV at 344 nm; the value is 0.000811±0.000227  m−10.000811±0.000227  m−1.

Bright Emission From A Random Raman Laser

Nature Communications 2014, Issue 5, Art. Num 4356

Random lasers are a developing class of light sources that utilize a highly disordered gain medium as opposed to a conventional optical cavity. Although traditional random lasers often have a relatively broad emission spectrum, a random laser that utilizes vibration transitions via Raman scattering allows for an extremely narrow bandwidth, on the order of 10 cm−1. Here we demonstrate the first experimental evidence of lasing via a Raman interaction in a bulk three-dimensional random medium, with conversion efficiencies on the order of a few percent. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of nonlinear processes in turbid media. In addition to providing a large signal, characteristic of the Raman medium, the random Raman laser offers us an entirely new tool for studying the dynamics of gain in a turbid medium.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Waste Products in Water Using Fluorescence Emission Cavity Enhanced Spectroscopy

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2014, vol. 111 no. 20, pp. 7208-7211

Clean water is paramount to human health. In this article, we present a technique for detection of trace amounts of human or animal waste products in water using fluorescence emission cavity-enhanced spectroscopy. The detection of femtomolar concentrations of urobilin, a metabolic byproduct of heme metabolism that is excreted in both human and animal waste in water, was achieved through the use of an integrating cavity. This technique could allow for real-time assessment of water quality without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

J. Mod. Opt. 2015, Vol. 63, Issue 1, pp.76-79

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.

Ultraviolet (250-550 nm) absorption spectrum of pure water

Appl. Opt. 2016, Vol. 55, Issue 25, pp. 7163-7172

Data for the spectral light absorption of pure water from 250 to 550 nm have been obtained using an integrating cavity made from a newly developed diffuse reflector with a very high UV reflectivity. The data provide the first scattering-independent measurements of absorption coefficients in the spectral gap between well-established literature values for the absorption coefficients in the visible (>400  nm>400  nm) and UV (<200  nm<200  nm). A minimum in the absorption coefficient has been observed in the UV at 344 nm; the value is 0.000811±0.000227  m−10.000811±0.000227  m−1.

Bright Emission From A Random Raman Laser

Nature Communications 2014, Issue 5, Art. Num 4356

Random lasers are a developing class of light sources that utilize a highly disordered gain medium as opposed to a conventional optical cavity. Although traditional random lasers often have a relatively broad emission spectrum, a random laser that utilizes vibration transitions via Raman scattering allows for an extremely narrow bandwidth, on the order of 10 cm−1. Here we demonstrate the first experimental evidence of lasing via a Raman interaction in a bulk three-dimensional random medium, with conversion efficiencies on the order of a few percent. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of nonlinear processes in turbid media. In addition to providing a large signal, characteristic of the Raman medium, the random Raman laser offers us an entirely new tool for studying the dynamics of gain in a turbid medium.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Waste Products in Water Using Fluorescence Emission Cavity Enhanced Spectroscopy

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2014, vol. 111 no. 20, pp. 7208-7211

Clean water is paramount to human health. In this article, we present a technique for detection of trace amounts of human or animal waste products in water using fluorescence emission cavity-enhanced spectroscopy. The detection of femtomolar concentrations of urobilin, a metabolic byproduct of heme metabolism that is excreted in both human and animal waste in water, was achieved through the use of an integrating cavity. This technique could allow for real-time assessment of water quality without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.

Diffuse Reflecting Material for Integrating Cavity Spectroscopy - Including Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Appl. Optics 2015, Vol. 54, Issue 2, pp. 334-346

We report the development of a diffuse reflecting material with measured reflectivity values as high as 0.99919 at 532 nm and 0.99686 at 266 nm. This material is a high-purity fumed silica, or quartz powder, with particle sizes on the order of 40 nm. We demonstrate that this material can be used to produce surfaces with nearly Lambertian behavior, which in turn can be used to form the inner walls of high-reflectivity integrating cavities. Light reflecting off such a surface penetrates into the material. This means there will be an effective “wall time” for each reflection off the walls in an integrating cavity. We measure this wall time and show that it can be on the order of several picoseconds. Finally, we introduce a technique for absorption spectroscopy in an integrating cavity based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy. We call this technique integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy.

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

J. Mod. Opt. 2015, Vol. 63, Issue 1, pp.76-79

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.

Ultraviolet (250-550 nm) absorption spectrum of pure water

Appl. Opt. 2016, Vol. 55, Issue 25, pp. 7163-7172

Data for the spectral light absorption of pure water from 250 to 550 nm have been obtained using an integrating cavity made from a newly developed diffuse reflector with a very high UV reflectivity. The data provide the first scattering-independent measurements of absorption coefficients in the spectral gap between well-established literature values for the absorption coefficients in the visible (>400  nm>400  nm) and UV (<200  nm<200  nm). A minimum in the absorption coefficient has been observed in the UV at 344 nm; the value is 0.000811±0.000227  m−10.000811±0.000227  m−1.

Bright Emission From A Random Raman Laser

Nature Communications 2014, Issue 5, Art. Num 4356

Random lasers are a developing class of light sources that utilize a highly disordered gain medium as opposed to a conventional optical cavity. Although traditional random lasers often have a relatively broad emission spectrum, a random laser that utilizes vibration transitions via Raman scattering allows for an extremely narrow bandwidth, on the order of 10 cm−1. Here we demonstrate the first experimental evidence of lasing via a Raman interaction in a bulk three-dimensional random medium, with conversion efficiencies on the order of a few percent. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of nonlinear processes in turbid media. In addition to providing a large signal, characteristic of the Raman medium, the random Raman laser offers us an entirely new tool for studying the dynamics of gain in a turbid medium.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Waste Products in Water Using Fluorescence Emission Cavity Enhanced Spectroscopy

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2014, vol. 111 no. 20, pp. 7208-7211

Clean water is paramount to human health. In this article, we present a technique for detection of trace amounts of human or animal waste products in water using fluorescence emission cavity-enhanced spectroscopy. The detection of femtomolar concentrations of urobilin, a metabolic byproduct of heme metabolism that is excreted in both human and animal waste in water, was achieved through the use of an integrating cavity. This technique could allow for real-time assessment of water quality without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.

Diffuse Reflecting Material for Integrating Cavity Spectroscopy - Including Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Appl. Optics 2015, Vol. 54, Issue 2, pp. 334-346

We report the development of a diffuse reflecting material with measured reflectivity values as high as 0.99919 at 532 nm and 0.99686 at 266 nm. This material is a high-purity fumed silica, or quartz powder, with particle sizes on the order of 40 nm. We demonstrate that this material can be used to produce surfaces with nearly Lambertian behavior, which in turn can be used to form the inner walls of high-reflectivity integrating cavities. Light reflecting off such a surface penetrates into the material. This means there will be an effective “wall time” for each reflection off the walls in an integrating cavity. We measure this wall time and show that it can be on the order of several picoseconds. Finally, we introduce a technique for absorption spectroscopy in an integrating cavity based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy. We call this technique integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy.

Robust commercial diffuse reflector for UV-VIS-NIR applications

Appl. Opt. 2015, Vol 54, Issue 25, pp. 7542-7545

We report the development and testing of a new commercially available diffuse reflecting material with reflectivities in the visible comparable to industry-leading products. This new diffuse reflector consists of solid quartz in which there is a dense distribution of tiny pockets of air. The multiple reflections by the quartz–air interfaces of these air pockets transforms a highly transmissive base material into a highly diffuse reflecting material.

Measuring the Absorption Coefficient of Biological Materials Using Integrating Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Optica 2015, Vol. 2, Issue 2, pp. 162-168

A number of imaging modalities rely on the exact knowledge of both the absorption and scattering properties of cells and organelles. We report a simple method for accurate and precise measurement of the optical absorption coefficient of biological samples, even in the presence of strong scattering. The technique is based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy, but the traditional mirrored cavity is replaced with a high-reflectivity integrating cavity. The Lambertian behavior of the cavity walls creates an isotropic field inside the cavity, thereby eliminating the effects of scattering in the sample. Thus, integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy (ICRDS) provides a true, direct measurement of the absorption coefficient, as opposed to the net attenuation. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique by measuring the absorption coefficient of retinal pigmented epithelium cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that ICRDS is insensitive to scattering effects using suspensions of copolymer microspheres and an absorbing dye solution. These results are compared with measurements made using a more traditional transmission-style setup. This technique will have an impact on the field of nanoscience, where optical characterization of nanoparticles is still done using a conventional spectrometer that is only capable of providing measurements of the extinction coefficient.

Utilizing scattering to further enhance integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy

J. Mod. Opt. 2015, Vol. 63, Issue 1, pp.76-79

Spectroscopic optical characterization and identification of molecular structures and complex systems would greatly benefit from new technologies capable of analyzing molecular species in small quantities with maximum sensitivity and specificity. Integrating cavity-enhanced spectroscopy has recently been shown as a viable tool for achieving this goal. This technique could greatly benefit from methods for further enhancing the desired spectroscopic signal, allowing for lower detection limits. Here, we present a simple method to further enhance fluorescence signal generated inside an integrating cavity by introducing additional scattering to the sample of interest.

Ultraviolet (250-550 nm) absorption spectrum of pure water

Appl. Opt. 2016, Vol. 55, Issue 25, pp. 7163-7172

Data for the spectral light absorption of pure water from 250 to 550 nm have been obtained using an integrating cavity made from a newly developed diffuse reflector with a very high UV reflectivity. The data provide the first scattering-independent measurements of absorption coefficients in the spectral gap between well-established literature values for the absorption coefficients in the visible (>400  nm>400  nm) and UV (<200  nm<200  nm). A minimum in the absorption coefficient has been observed in the UV at 344 nm; the value is 0.000811±0.000227  m−10.000811±0.000227  m−1.

Bright Emission From A Random Raman Laser

Nature Communications 2014, Issue 5, Art. Num 4356

Random lasers are a developing class of light sources that utilize a highly disordered gain medium as opposed to a conventional optical cavity. Although traditional random lasers often have a relatively broad emission spectrum, a random laser that utilizes vibration transitions via Raman scattering allows for an extremely narrow bandwidth, on the order of 10 cm−1. Here we demonstrate the first experimental evidence of lasing via a Raman interaction in a bulk three-dimensional random medium, with conversion efficiencies on the order of a few percent. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of nonlinear processes in turbid media. In addition to providing a large signal, characteristic of the Raman medium, the random Raman laser offers us an entirely new tool for studying the dynamics of gain in a turbid medium.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Waste Products in Water Using Fluorescence Emission Cavity Enhanced Spectroscopy

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2014, vol. 111 no. 20, pp. 7208-7211

Clean water is paramount to human health. In this article, we present a technique for detection of trace amounts of human or animal waste products in water using fluorescence emission cavity-enhanced spectroscopy. The detection of femtomolar concentrations of urobilin, a metabolic byproduct of heme metabolism that is excreted in both human and animal waste in water, was achieved through the use of an integrating cavity. This technique could allow for real-time assessment of water quality without the need for expensive laboratory equipment.

Diffuse Reflecting Material for Integrating Cavity Spectroscopy - Including Ring-Down Spectroscopy

Appl. Optics 2015, Vol. 54, Issue 2, pp. 334-346

We report the development of a diffuse reflecting material with measured reflectivity values as high as 0.99919 at 532 nm and 0.99686 at 266 nm. This material is a high-purity fumed silica, or quartz powder, with particle sizes on the order of 40 nm. We demonstrate that this material can be used to produce surfaces with nearly Lambertian behavior, which in turn can be used to form the inner walls of high-reflectivity integrating cavities. Light reflecting off such a surface penetrates into the material. This means there will be an effective “wall time” for each reflection off the walls in an integrating cavity. We measure this wall time and show that it can be on the order of several picoseconds. Finally, we introduce a technique for absorption spectroscopy in an integrating cavity based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy. We call this technique integrating cavity ring-down spectroscopy.

Robust commercial diffuse reflector for UV-VIS-NIR applications

Appl. Opt. 2015, Vol 54, Issue 25, pp. 7542-7545

We report the development and testing of a new commercially available diffuse reflecting material with reflectivities in the visible comparable to industry-leading products. This new diffuse reflector consists of solid quartz in which there is a dense distribution of tiny pockets of air. The multiple reflections by the quartz–air interfaces of these air pockets transforms a highly transmissive base material into a highly diffuse reflecting material.

High Reflectivity Integrating Cavity and Optical Amplification Device

Patent Application 15/001238, January 20, 2016