0000000000845099
AUTHOR
A. C. Busacca
Exact reconstruction of thz sub-λ source features in knife-edge measurements
The spatial features of a sub-wavelength terahertz source are not accessible using time-integrated knife-edge techniques due to the non-separable space-time nature of the radiated field and to systematic modifications induced by the blade itself. We show that combining knife-edge with a time resolved electro-optical sampling, the space-time coupling can be addressed and the source field profile can be exactly reconstructed.
Ultraviolet generation in periodically poled Lithium Tantalate waveguides
We demonstrate ultraviolet generation in lithium tantalate channel waveguides for frequency doubling via quasi-phase-matching. The samples, proton exchanged and nanostructured by electric-field assisted surface periodic poling with domains as deep as 40 μm, yield continuous wave light at 365.4 nm with conversion efficiencies larger than 7.5% W-1 cm-2.
SiPM as miniaturised optical biosensor for DNA-microarray applications
A miniaturized optical biosensor for low-level fluorescence emitted by DNA strands labelled with CY5 is showed. Aim of this work is to demonstrate that a Si-based photodetector, having a low noise and a high sensitivity, can replace traditional detection systems in DNA-microarray applications. The photodetector used is a photomultiplier (SiPM), with 25 pixels. It exhibits a higher sensitivity than commercial optical readers and we experimentally found a detection limit for spotted dried samples of ∼1 nM. We measured the fluorescence signal in different operating conditions (angle of analysis, fluorophores concentrations, solution volumes and support). Once fixed the angle of analysis, for s…
Electro-optical characterization of new classes of Silicon Carbide UV photodetectors
In this paper, we present the fabrication process steps and the characterization of 4H-SiC vertical Schottky UV detectors, where interdigitated strips, acting as top metal contacts, have been realized in $\hbox{Ni}_{2}\hbox{Si}$ . These devices exploit the pinch-off surface effect. $I$ – $V$ and $C$ – $V$ characteristics, as functions of temperature, were measured in dark conditions. In addition, we have carried out responsivity measurements, for wavelengths ranging from 200 to 400 nm, at varying package temperature and applied reverse bias. A comparison among devices having different strip pitch sizes has been performed, thus finding out that the 10- $\mu\hbox{m}$ pitch class demonstrates …
A wideband THz Time Domain Spectroscopy table-top system based on ultrafast pulsed laser: Model and experiments
We present an analytical model carefully describing the time-frequency behavior of all the stages composing our whole Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy laser based system, from the THz pulses generation via Optical Rectification, to their detection through Electro-Optic Sampling technique, by way of diffraction, collecting and focusing effects. In order to prove the effectiveness of our work, we report on the comparison among the experimental waveforms and the simulation results.
Ultra-broadband terahertz time domain spectroscopy by Solid State Biased Coherent Detection
The spectral fingerprint of ibuprofen within the THz frequency window has been retrieved through an ultra-broadband THz Time Domain Spectrometry set-up. The latter implements the Solid State Biased Coherent Detection scheme, based on a compact CMOS-compatible integrated device. Such a technique shows unprecedented advantages in term of bandwidth (greater than 10 THz) over other solid state methods like electro-optic sampling.
CY5 fluorescence measured with silicon photomultipliers
This paper presents an efficient optical biosensor set up for a low-level light detection, using fluorescent dyes and a novel Si-based detector. Fluorescence emitted by a traditional fluorophore, CY5, widely used as optical label in DNA microarrays, was detected using a 25 pixels Silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), a device formed by avalanche diodes operating in Geiger mode, in parallel connections. We measured the fluorescence current in different deposition (fluorophore concentration; solvent; salt concentration) and operation (angle of analysis, optical laser power, device gain) conditions. The characterization of DNA samples labeled with CY5 is also reported to demonstrate the detector pot…