Versatile OSCAT time-domain THz spectrometer

: We report on a compact and versatile time-domain spectrometer operating in the THz spectral region from 0.2 to 2.5 THz based on ultrafast Yb:CALGO laser and photo-conductive antennas. The spectrometer operates with the optical sampling by cavity tuning (OSCAT) method based on laser repetition rate tuning, which allows at the same time the implementation of a delay-time modulation scheme. The whole characterization of the instrument is presented and compared to the classical THz time-domain spectroscopy implementation. THz spectroscopic measurements on a 520-μm thick GaAs wafer substrate together with water vapor absorption measurements are also reported to further validate the instrument capabilities

Method and device for conditioning the light emission of a laser diode array

A method for conditioning the light emission of a laser generator (1), comprising an array (2) of laser diodes positioned side by side along a spatial axis (X), to equalize brightness in the direction (X) of the array (2) and in the direction (Y) perpendicular thereto, said conditioning being such as to enable optimal use of the laser beam (L) resulting from the compounding of the individual beams (L1, L2, L3) emitted by said laser diodes, the method comprising the following steps: a) separating by deflection the laser beams (L1, L2, L3) emitted by the laser diodes; b) conveying at least the adjacent laser beams (L1, L2, L3) emitted by said laser diode array (2) into different spatial planes; c) recombining said beams (L1, L2, L3) in different planes along an axis (Y) perpendicular to the axis (X) along which the laser diodes lie; ; and d) collimating said laser beams into a resultant single laser beam (L). The method is implemented by a device comprising means for separating the individual laser beams emitted side by side by the laser diode array, and means for recombining said beams such as to superpose these latter in order to enable their subsequent collimation

Method for selecting the polarization of the laser beam oscillating inside a laser cavity

Method for selecting the polarization of the laser beam inside a laser cavity, which provides generation of a laser beam (1) inside said resonant laser cavity (20), comprising optical media (8,10,9; 9',12; 9',14; 13; 33), which include one or more birefringent optical media (9; 12; 14; 13). According to the invention, said birefringent optical media (9; 12; 14; 13) are used for inducing a double refraction effect on the laser beam (1) and separating the propagation directions of the different polarization components (2,3) of the laser beam (1) at the interface (22; 32; 41,42; 51,52; 61,62) between said media (9; 12; 14; 13) and a second medium with a different refractive index, providing a plurality of separate resonance directions (6,7) which are distinct for the different polarization components (2, 3), and selectively align the cavity optical axis (20) on one of said resonance positions (6,7) through the adjustment of the position of one or more optical elements (8,9,10; 9',12; 9',14; 13,33) forming said cavity (20)

High-brightness 2.4-W continuous-wave Nd:GdVO4 laser at 670 nm

We report on a diode-pumped 1.3-mm Nd:GdVO4 cw laser, intracavity doubled for highly efficient generation of red light. We obtained as much as 2.4 W of power at 670 nm (corresponding to 26% optical-to-optical efficiency) in a nearly TEM00 mode and with small amplitude noise. To the best of our knowledge, these results represent the highest performance at this wavelength for cw solid-state lasers

Laser investigation of Yb:YLF crystals fabricated with the micro-pulling-down technique

Fiber rods of 10% doped Yb:YLF were fabricated with the micro-pulling-down technique and characterized. The crystal a axis was oriented along the rod length, allowing polarized emission with the largest cross section available in the c direction. Laser experiments showed that these fiber samples perform similarly to crystals grown by the standard Czochralski method. Intrinsic slope efficiency of ∼50% was measured in both cases, with small comparable intracavity losses, proving the good quality of the fiber material

La terapia insulinica sottocutanea continua (CSII) in Italia. Terza indagine nazionale [Subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in italy: The third national survey]

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications.La diffusione della terapia insulinica sottocutanea continua con microinfusore (CSII) è in continuo aumento nel mondo, grazie anche al miglioramento della tecnologia degli strumenti. Scopo di questo lavoro è stato quello di valutare lo stato attuale della CSII in Italia. A tal fine ai responsabili di 272 strutture diabetologiche che seguono pazienti in terapia con microinfusore è stato inviato un questionario che indagava aspetti clinici, tecnici e organizzativi della terapia con microinfusore. Duecentodiciassette strutture (79,8%) hanno partecipato all’indagine. Dai dati raccolti è emerso che a fine aprile 2013 in tali strutture vi erano 10.152 pazienti in terapia con microinfusore, quasi tutti (98,2%) affetti da diabete di tipo 1, prevalentemente adulti (82,4%) e di sesso femminile (57%). La diffusione della CSII risultava molto disomogenea tra le diverse Regioni e anche tra le diverse strutture diabetologiche di una stessa Regione: solo il 59% delle strutture seguiva più di 20 pazienti ciascuna. Motivo principale per iniziare la CSII era la ricerca del buon controllo glicemico. Il drop-out (8,65% dei casi), avveniva soprattutto per problemi legati alla portabilità della pompa o al mancato raggiungimento del target glicemico. La maggior parte dei pazienti (61%) utilizzava un microinfusore tradizionale, il 39% un microinfusore integrato (32%) o associato (7%) a un dispositivo per il monitoraggio in continuo della glicemia. Le funzioni avanzate del microinfusore venivano mediamente utilizzate solo dal 68% dei pazienti e il sensore era utilizzato mediamente solo per 12 giorni al mese. L’81% delle strutture garantiva una reperibilità 24 ore su 24. Solo nel 40% delle strutture per adulti e nel 50% di quelle pediatriche i pazienti venivano seguiti da un team completo. In conclusione, la CSII si sta sempre più diffondendo in Italia, sia tra i pazienti adulti sia tra quelli pediatrici. È auspicabile una maggiore uniformità tra le diverse Regioni e un uso più adeguato della tecnologia stessa.Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications

Subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in italy: The third national survey

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications

La terapia insulinica sottocutanea continua (CSII) in Italia. Terza indagine nazionale

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasingly being used worldwide, mostly thanks to technical improvements. This study examined the current status of CSII in Italy. Physicians in charge of 272 diabetes centers caring for patients using CSII were sent a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology and management of these patients; a large proportion (217 centers, 79.8%) joined the study. By end-April 2013, data had been collected on 10152 patients treated with CSII; 98.2% had type 1 diabetes, 82.4% were adults, 57% female. Only just over half the centers (59%) managed more than 20 CSII patients each. The distribution of patients varied widely both among and within different regions. The main indication for CSII was the de- sire to improve glycemic control. Dropouts (8.65%) were mainly due to difficulties with pump wearability or non-optimal glycemic control. Among CSII patients 61% used a traditional pump, 39% a sensor augmented pump. Only 68% used the CSII advanced functions and glucose sensors were used twelve days per month on average. Round-the-clock assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers; a full diabetes team followed patients in only 40% of adult-care centers and 50% of pediatric units. CSII is increasingly used in Italy, by adults and pediatric patients. However, further work is needed to unify treatment strategies throughout the country and to encourage optimal pump use and applications

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in Italy: third national survey.

BACKGROUND: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is increasing worldwide, mostly because of improved technology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status of CSII in Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physicians from 272 diabetes centers received a questionnaire investigating clinical features, pump technology, and management of patients on CSII. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen centers (79.8%) joined the study and, by the end of April 2013, gave information about 10,152 patients treated with CSII: 98.2% with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 81.4% adults, 57% female, and 61% with a conventional pump versus 39% with a sensor-augmented pump. CSII advanced functions were used by 68% of patients, and glucose sensors were used 12 days per month on average. Fifty-eight percent of diabetes centers had more than 20 patients on CSII, but there were differences among centers and among regions. The main indication for CSII was poor glucose control. Dropout was mainly due to pump wearability or nonoptimal glycemic control. Twenty-four hour assistance was guaranteed in 81% of centers. A full diabetes team (physician+nurse+dietician+psychologist) was available in 23% of adult-care diabetes centers and in 53% of pediatric diabetes units. CONCLUSIONS: CSII keeps increasing in Italy. More work is needed to ensure uniform treatment strategies throughout the country and to improve pump use