Researchers improve tunability in optical differentiation
A new technique could make it easier for researchers to create real-time images of microscopic samples by taking into account the waves that travel across a sample’s surface as light interacts with it.
Optical differentiation is a useful technique for analyzing images of microscopic samples in real time, but currently lacks the ability to fine-tune the resolution of the images it produces.
In a new paper published in the European Physical Journal D, a team led by Jian Wu from the National University of Defense Science and Technology in Changsha, China, proposes a new approach that allows researchers to tune the wavelengths reflected from a crystalline sample. The technique could enable researchers to extract a more detailed picture of the sample, which could be particularly useful for analyzing cells and macromolecular systems.
Optical differentiation calculates the rate of change of key properties of a light signal (e.g. intensity, phase, amplitude) after it interacts with a sample. This is particularly useful for distinguishing features around the edges of a sample where there are abrupt discontinuities in the brightness, color, or texture of the reflected light.
In their research, Wu and his team investigated the behavior of Bloch surface waves that travel along the surface of an insulator with a periodic crystalline structure. By incorporating these waves into their calculations, the team found that they could significantly improve the tunability of the wavelengths reflected from the surface.
This is possible because the propagation of Bloch waves is affected by even small changes in the incident wavelength, causing dramatic changes in the position of the reflected light. As a result, through a simple mathematical relationship between the incident and reflected light, the team was able to calculate detailed image features in real time that take into account changes in polarization and intensity as the light interacts with the sample.
In future work, Wu’s team hopes to extend this approach to 2D crystalline samples, bringing practical applications one step closer to reality.
Further information: Jian Shi et al. “Tunable photon differentiator with Bloch surface waves”, The European Physical Journal D (2024). DOI: 10.1140/epjd/s10053-024-00867-x
Citation: Researchers Improve Tunability of Optical Differentiation (September 19, 2024) Retrieved September 19, 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2024-09-tunability-optical-differentiation.html
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