Sub-cycle QAM modulation for VCSEL-based optical fiber links

QAM modulation utilizing subcarrier frequency lower than the symbol rate is both theoretically and experimentally investigated. High spectral efficiency and concentration of power in low frequencies make sub-cycle QAM signals attractive for optical fiber links with direct modulated light sources. Real-time generated 10-Gbps 4-level QAM signal in a 7.5-GHz bandwidth utilizing subcarrier frequency at a half symbol rate was successfully transmitted over 20-km SMF using an un-cooled 1.5-μm VCSEL. Only 2.5-dB fiber transmission power penalty was observed with no equalization applied

Inducing electron spin coherence in GaAs quantum well waveguides: Spin coherence without spin precession

Electron spin coherence is induced via light-hole transitions in a quantum well waveguide without either an external or internal DC magnetic field. In the absence of spin precession, the induced spin coherence is detected through effects of quantum interference in the spectral domain coherent nonlinear optical response. We interpret the experimental results qualitatively using a simple few-level model with only the optical transition selection rule as its basic ingredients

A Low-Power 1-Gb/s CMOS Laser Driver for a Zero-Bias Modulated Optical Transmitter

Abstract-We demonstrate the feasibility of using a CMOS laser driver for a low-power digital optical transmitter that is capable of at least 1-Gb/s operation. The transmitter employs low threshold lasers and zero-bias modulation. The circuit driver uses a strategy for low power consumption such that a majority of the total transmitter power is consumed by the laser instead of the electronics. The driver can function over a wide temperature range (77 K-300 K) for a variety of laser diodes

High-contrast grating resonators for label-free detection of disease biomarkers.

A label-free optical biosensor is described that employs a silicon-based high-contrast grating (HCG) resonator with a spectral linewidth of ~500 pm that is sensitive to ligand-induced changes in surface properties. The device is used to generate thermodynamic and kinetic data on surface-attached antibodies with their respective antigens. The device can detect serum cardiac troponin I, a biomarker of cardiac disease to 100 pg/ml within 4 mins, which is faster, and as sensitive as current enzyme-linked immuno-assays for cTnI

Feasibility of Using High-Contrast Grating as a Point-of-Care Sensor for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Immunosuppressants.

Point-of-care (POC) testing has demonstrated great transformative potential in personalized medicine. In particular, patients undergoing transplantation require POC testing to ensure appropriate serum immunosuppressant levels so as to maintain adequate graft function and survival. However, no suitable POC device for monitoring immunosuppressant levels is currently available. Exploiting the latest advances in metamaterials can lead to a breakthrough in POC testing. A high-contrast grating (HCG) biosensor is a low-cost, compact, simple-to-fabricate, and easy-to-operate structure. It is highly sensitive and robust in surface-based biomarker detection, which is favorable for the efficiency of a POC device. In this study, the feasibility of using an HCG as a POC sensor for therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressants was evaluated. The detection efficiency of the most commonly prescribed immunosuppressive medication cyclosporine A by using this sensor was demonstrated to be comparable to those of conventional commercial kits, suggesting that the sensor has the potential to be used as a rapid detection and feedback platform for increasing drug compliance and improving new organ transplant survival