This PDF file contains the front matter associated with SPIE Proceedings Volume 10440, including the Title Page, Copyright information, Table of Contents, and Conference Committee listing.

The paper presents numerical modeling of interaction of strong laser radiation with conventional aluminum sheets, similar to those used in military technology. The theoretical model uses equations of continuum mechanics (equations of hydrodynamics and the equations of mechanics of solid bodies in a cylindrical coordinates r, z), enriched with equations describing the typical effects of high temperature, such as absorption of laser radiation within the Al shield, electronic and radiative thermal conductivity, and energy loss on phase transitions (melting, evaporation, ionization). Semiempirical equations of state were used to describe the properties of material in the conditions of large deformation and the Johnson-Cook’s model. The equations were solved using the method of free points developed by one of the authors. Two kinds od laser pulses were considered: microsecond pulse with duration of 200 μs and a low peak power of 10 kW/cm² (CW laser), and nanosecond pulse with duration of 10 ns and high peak power of 5 GW/cm² (pulsed laser). The aim of this study was to determine the shapes and temperatures of Al plates under the influence of these pulses for the comparison of the numerical results with future experiments and to verify the possibility to determine the distribution of the energy density of the laser beam on the basis of the plate deformation.

Surface Relief Gratings (SRG) were demonstrated experimentally more than 20 years ago. Despite many years of research efforts the underlying physical mechanisms remain unclear. In this paper we present a short overview of the main concepts related to SRG - photofluidization and its counterpart, the orientational approach - based on a seminal paper by Saphiannikova et al. Next, we summarize the derivation of the cos² θ potential, following the lines of recent paper of this group. Those results validate the generic Monte Carlo model for the photoinduced build-up of the density and SRG gratings in a model polymer matrix functionalized with azo-dyes, presented in another part of the paper. The characterization of the photoinduced motion of polymer chains, based on our recent paper, is briefly discussed in the last part of the paper. This discussion offers a sound insight into the mechanisms responsible for inscription of SRG as well as for single functionalized nanoparticle studies.

Strong fluorescence enhancement is induced for many organic dye systems by the coupling to DNA or DNA-surfactant complex, prompting the development of thin film laser devices. Since fluorescence characteristics of the dyes are very sensitive to the interaction mode, it is worthwhile to elaborate their optical properties when interacting with DNA and its complexes. In this study, absorption and circular dichroic (CD) spectra were examined for solutions dissolving hemicyanines and DNA or its complex, and the details of laser emission were studied with the complex films prepared by different methods. Absorption spectra for the dyes changed remarkably by the interaction with pure DNA, while DNA-complex caused blue shift in fluorescence emission process. Clear Cotton effect in induced CD spectra in the dye absorption band indicated the direct interaction with pure DNA presumably due to groove binding. Meanwhile, relatively weak CD signal from the dyes mixed with DNA-complex suggested indirect interaction mode between them. Laser oscillation properties depended on the film formation method. Recently-developed ‘immersion’ process provided thin film devices which showed strong laser emission under optical pumping with population grating. Initial output intensity was two orders of magnitude greater than that from conventionally prepared films. Low threshold and long durability of the immersion made devices were obtained in three types of hemicyanine dyes, making them promising for future application.

Spectral investigations in the UV-VIS range of selected Al, Cu, and Fe alloys and composite materials were performed using LIBS technique. The investigated objects were typical rifle cartridges, mortars, rocket launchers and samples of different type steel, Cu and Al alloys, as well as composite materials of special chemical composition. Two Nd:YAG lasers were applied: a short 4 ns, 60 mJ Brio Quantel/BigSky laser (1064 nm) and a long pulse 200/400 (up to 1000) µs (~ 2/4 up to 10 J) laser (1064 nm) constructed at the Institute of Optoelectronics MUT.

This spectrochemical analysis was possible for Al, Cu, and Fe alloys objects for both lasers, and in case of composites only if the samples were irradiated by short laser pulse since in the experiment with the long pulse, all composite materials spectra, in general, were very similar to each other – they imitated a grey/black body spectra. For metal alloys in experiments with a short laser pulse only atomic spectra were observed while for long microsecond laser pulses molecular transitions have been registered for Al alloys.

Electron temperatures of plasma created on different materials for short and long laser pulses were found on the base of Boltzmann plots. Temperatures are clearly higher for plasmas generated with a short laser pulse which results from much higher laser power density on the sample surface for short pulse and not from fluence which is 20-40 times larger for long pulse.

In this study, the 2-(4-methacryloxystyryl)quinoline, 2-(4-methacryloxystyryl)-6-methoxyquinoline were synthesized. The polymers built from the free radical polymerization of methacrylic monomers incorporating the diarylethylenes sidegroup have been synthesized in dimethylformamide with azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The products of polymerization were characterized and evaluated by ¹HNMR, UV spectroscopy. Thermal stability was characterized by DSC method. Their optical and photochemical properties as well as temperature dependence of the photoluminescence of diarylethylenes have been investigated.

The authors of this article focused on the issue of measurement of the chromaticity temperature of proposed bulbs made from polydimethylsiloxane, depending on the temperature of proposed bulbs. The advantage of this solution is the immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the ability to use, for example in dangerous environments (such as mines, factories, etc.). For the realization of incandescent bulbs was used transparent two-component elastomer Sylgard 184. A mixture of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a curing agent in a defined ratio (10:1) and admixture with garnet phosphor YAG: Ce was cured in the temperature box at temperature 90°C ± 3°C in the shape of the bulbs. All experiments were realized with eight different weight ratios of phosphor and Sylgard 184. Optical power (5 W) from a laser with a wavelength of 455 nm was fed to the proposed bulbs using the cylindrical waveguide of polydimethylsiloxane with a diameter of 5 mm. Chromaticity temperature was measured by two temperature sensors for 12h. The outcome of this study is the evaluation of the chromaticity temperature of output light depending on temperature variations of proposed bulbs due to the conversion of optical power into heat.

Authors of this article have focused on the use of fiber-optic technology in the car traffic. The article describes the use of fiber-optic interferometer for the purpose of the dynamic calculation of traffic density and inclusion the vehicle into the traffic lane. The objective is to increase safety and traffic flow. Presented solution is characterized by the non-destructive character to the road - sensor no need built into the roadway. The sensor works with standard telecommunications fibers of the G.652 standard. Other hallmarks are immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and passivity of concerning the power supply. The massive expansion of optical cables within telecommunication needs along roads offers the possibility of connecting to the existing telecommunications fiber-optic network without a converter. Information can be transmitted at distances of several km up to tens km by this fiber-optic network. Set of experimental measurements in real traffic flow verified the functionality of presented solution.

Authors of this article focused on the analysis of the influence location of the fiber-optic sensor on the measurement and determination the heart rate of the human body. The sensor uses a Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and is encapsulated in the polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The combination of fiber-optic technology and its encapsulation in a polymer PDMS allows the use of the sensor e.g. in magnetic resonance environments (MRI). Among currently solved doctors requirements belongs field focusing on the study of hyperventilation and panic attacks of patients during MRI examination due to their very frequent occurrence. Proposed FBG sensor can help doctors to predict (based on heart rate) hyperventilation and panic attacks of patients during MRI examinations. For the most accurate determination of the heart rate, it is necessary to know the influence location of the sensor on the human body. The sensor functionality and analysis of the sensor placement on the heart rate has been verified by a series of real experimental measurements of test subjects in laboratory environment.

The team of authors focused on analyzing of using fiber-optic sensor based on Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) for the monitoring of heart rate (HR) of long-term ill patients with a minimum of physical movement load. During all experiments, test subjects were asked to simulate their natural behavior in the most accurate way (for instance, the focus was on the use of fine motor skills - not only movements of hands and arms, legs, and feet, coughing, changes in body positions, but also walking). All these external aspects are taken into account in the bellow-described results of the probe efficiency and show that it is very necessary to know the impact of these artifacts for the determine the heart rate of the human body. Final results were discussed with the senior doctor of the long-term care department.

This article focuses on the analysis and verification of a non-invasive fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor used for the monitoring of a patient`s heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) in a magnetic resonance environment (MRI). Measuring heart and respiratory rate were carried out on a group of five volunteers with their written consent during MRI examinations. The type of the scanner used in the experiment was GE Signa HDxt 1.5T. The benefit of this article lies in the design of a sensor in the form of a sensor pad. The sensor is placed beneath a patient`s body lying supine. The purpose is to increase and improve the patient`s safety as well as to help doctors to predict panic and hyperventilation attacks of patients during MRI examinations. Provided Bland-Altman statistical analysis demonstrates the heart and respiratory rate detection with a satisfactory accuracy for all five volunteers.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be used for its optical properties and its composition offers the possibility of use in the dangerous environments. Therefore authors of this article focused on more detailed working with this material. The article describes the methodology of preparing the end faces of the cylindrical waveguide of polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to minimize losses during joining. The first method of preparing the end faces of the cylindrical waveguide of polydimethylsiloxane is based on the polishing surface of the sandpaper of different sizes of grains (3 species). The second method using so-called heat smoothing and the third method using aligning end faces by a new layer of polydimethylsiloxane. The outcome of the study is to evaluate the quality of the end faces of the cylindrical waveguide of polymer polydimethylsiloxane based on evaluating the attenuation. For this experiment, it was created a total of 140 samples. The attenuation was determined from both sides of the created samples for three different wavelengths of the visible spectrum.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be used for its optical properties, and its composition offers the possibility of use in the diverse environments (industry, photonics, medicine applications, security devices and etc.). Therefore authors of this article focused on more detailed working with this material. This material could be use for the sensory applications such as the sensor of pressure or weight, which may find use also in the field of security and defense. The article describes the process of making the prototype of the sensor and its verification based on laboratory results. Measurement methodology is based on the determination of the change of optical power at the output of the sensor prototype depending on the change in pressure or weight. We estimate the maximum load of the sensor on the basis of the laboratory results in the units of tons. Using a calibration measurement can determine the amount of pressure and weight with an accuracy of ± 2 %.

This article focuses on the sensitivity of encapsulated interferometric probes. These probes are used mainly for BioMed and security applications. Fiber-optic sensors are interesting for these applications, as they are resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and that also do not affect the surrounding medical and security equipment. Using a loop of the optical fiber with is not a suitable for these measurements. The optical fiber should be fixed to one position, and should not significantly bend. For these reasons, the optical fiber is encapsulated. Furthermore, it is necessary that the encapsulated measuring probes were flexible, inert, water resistant and not toxic. Fiber-optic sensors shouldn't be magnetically active, so they can be used for example, in magnetic resonance environments (MR). Probes meeting these requirements can be widely used in health care and security applications. Encapsulation of interferometric measuring arm brings changes in susceptibility of measurements in comparison with the optical fiber without encapsulation. To evaluate the properties of the encapsulated probes, series of probes made from different materials for encapsulation was generated, using two types of optical fibers with various degrees of protection. Comparison of the sensitivity of different encapsulated probes was performed using a series of measurements at various frequencies. The measurement results are statistically compared in the article and commented. Given the desired properties polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer has been proven the most interesting encapsulating material for further research.

The article describes a method for fabrication of polymer optical micro-lenses using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) at the end of optical fibers. PDMS is an optically clear substance having a refractive index very similar to the optical fibers. Therefore it is an interesting material for optical purposes. PDMS is characterized by resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI), enabling the use in electromagnetically noisy environments. These lenses could be used for example for the security applications. For the manufacture of the micro-lenses is used Sylgard silicone elastomer 184. When applied to the end of conventional optical fiber is cured by treatment at 100 °C ± 5 °C. Authors performed a series of experimental measurements. The optical characteristics of the treated fibers compared with conventional fibers without micro-lenses. The fibers provided with optical lenses made of PDMS may be used for security applications, in the visible light communication (VLC) or as a microprobe.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has good optical properties, and its composition offers the possibility of use in many applications (industry, security device, medicine applications and etc.). We focused on the alternative option of temperature measurement in this article. Our approach is based on measuring changes of chromaticity correlated temperature corresponding to changes in temperature. Described device uses an optical fiber with a defined layer of PDMS and luminophore and we assume that it can find use also in the field of security. The article describes the process of making the prototype of the device and its verification based on laboratory results. The measured temperature depends mainly on the type of optical fiber and the measured temperature range is determined by the thermal resistance of used optical fiber. Using a calibration measurement can determine the value of temperature with an accuracy of ± 2,5 %.

An important issue in security systems is that of selection of the appropriate detectors or sensors, whose sensitivity guarantees functional reliability whilst avoiding false alarms. Modern technology enables the optimization of sensor systems, tailored to specific risk factors. In optical security systems, one of the safety parameters considered is the spectral range in which the excitation signal is associated with a risk factor. Advanced safety systems should be designed taking into consideration the possible occurrence of, often multiple, complex risk factors, which can be identified individually. The hazards of concern in this work are chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial compounds present in the forms of gases and aerosols. The proposed sensor solution is a hybrid optical system consisting of a multi-spectral structure of photonic crystals associated with a MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical System) resonator. The crystallographic structures of carbon present in graphene rings and graphenecarbon nanotube nanocomposites have properties which make them desirable for use in detectors. The advantage of this system is a multi-spectral sensitivity at the same time as narrow-band selectivity for the identification of risk factors. It is possible to design a system optimized for detecting specified types of risk factor from very complex signals.

Authors of this article present the fiber-optic system based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) which are used to secure the entrance areas such as buildings, halls, warehouses, etc. The system uses the specially encapsulated sensory array of fiber Bragg gratings which are implemented into the floor or on the floor and allows for monitoring the area of 1 m² up to 100 m² depending on the number of FBG sensors. The sensory array is characterized by immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), passivity regarding electrical power supply, the possibility of remote evaluation (up to units of km) and high sensitivity. Proposed sensor system has detection capability greater than 99 % and furthermore, provides information about the weight load to an accuracy of ± 5 kg. The concept has been tested in a real environment within the test polygon for several weeks. As the reference devices, we used the CCTV (Closed Circuit Television).

This article discusses the topic of the monitoring of the operating condition of the pressing machines. In the process of pressing there are a large acting of the forces of the press machine on the machined material. It is accompanied by an expression of deformation of parts of the pressing machines. Knowledge about the resulting loading is important for the final product quality and durability of these machines. In the case of multi-columned presses is important even load distribution among the individual columns. For this reason, it is necessary to monitor the load of the hydraulic pistons. Conventional approaches of load monitoring utilize piezoelectric sensors and strain gauges, which are sensitive to electromagnetic interference, require electrical power, subject to corrosion and action of moisture. A suitable alternative is the fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) sensors, that those failures have. Their use for load monitoring production presses have been verified by the real measurement on a four-post hydraulic press ALPHA 4 from the company FORM + TEST Seidner. For measurements were used the FBG sensors and classic foil strain gauges (reference). Real measurement was performed during a load of press in the range from 0 to 2000 kN with a step of 500 kN.

Authors of this article focused on the analysis of the use of distributed fiber-optic technology for security monitoring of structural loads of road and motorway tunnels. Authors focused on measurements of deformation utilizing Brillouin Time Domain Reflectometry (BOTDR). The principle is based on the measurement of the stimulated Brillouin scattering. The article describes the load of tunnel based on the real measurements made during the construction of the motorway tunnel in the Slovakia Republic in a time horizon of several months. Experiments were carried out with standard optical telecommunication cable with water-absorbing aramid yarns and jacketing of diameter 4.2 mm. The outcome of this article is an introductory analysis the use of fiber-optic technology for security monitoring of structural loads for road and motorway tunnels.

This article deals with the description of the monitoring system of hydraulic lifting device based on the fiber-optic sensors. For minimize the financial costs of the proposed monitoring system, the power evaluation of measured signal has been chosen. The solution is based on an evaluation of the signal obtained using the single point optic fiber sensors with overlapping reflective spectra. For encapsulation of the sensors was used polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer. To obtain a information of loading is uses the action of deformation of the lifting device on the pair single point optic fiber sensors mounted on the lifting device of the tested car. According to the proposed algorithm is determined information of pressure with an accuracy of +/- 5 %. Verification of the proposed system was realized on the various types of the tested car with different loading. The original contribution of the paper is to verify the new low-cost system for monitoring the hydraulic lifting device based on the fiber-optic sensors.

In this article, we describe an innovative non-invasive method of Fetal Phonocardiography (fPCG) using fiber-optic sensors and adaptive algorithm for the measurement of fetal heart rate (fHR). Conventional PCG is based on a noninvasive scanning of acoustic signals by means of a microphone placed on the thorax. As for fPCG, the microphone is placed on the maternal abdomen. Our solution is based on patent pending non-invasive scanning of acoustic signals by means of a fiber-optic interferometer. Fiber-optic sensors are resistant to technical artifacts such as electromagnetic interferences (EMI), thus they can be used in situations where it is impossible to use conventional EFM methods, e.g. during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) examination or in case of delivery in water. The adaptive evaluation system is based on Recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm. Based on real measurements provided on five volunteers with their written consent, we created a simplified dynamic signal model of a distribution of heartbeat sounds (HS) through the human body. Our created model allows us to verification of the proposed adaptive system RLS algorithm. The functionality of the proposed non-invasive adaptive system was verified by objective parameters such as Sensitivity (S⁺) and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR).

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be used for its optical properties and its composition offers the possibility of use in the dangerous environments. Therefore authors of this article focused on more detailed working with this material. The authors describe the use of PDMS polymer for the light transmission over short distances (up to tens of centimeters). PDMS offers good prerequisites (mechanical properties) for the creating cylindrical lighting waveguide e.g. for the purpose of the automotive industry. The objective is to determine the maximum bending radius of the cylindrical waveguide of polydimethylsiloxane for different wavelengths of the visible spectrum and thus extend the knowledge for subsequent use in lighting. The created cylindrical waveguide consist of a core and a cladding. Cladding was formed by a PDMS having a lower refractive index in order to respect the condition of total reflection.

This article describes an analysis of the use of fiber-optic technology in biomedical applications, specifically for the monitoring heart rate of the pregnant (mHR) and fetal (fHR). Authors focused on the use of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) and Fiber-Optic Interferometers (FOI). Thanks to the utilization of conventional method so-called cardiotocography (CTG), the mortality of newborn babies during delivery has decreased. Generally, among disadvantages of this method, there is a high sensitivity to noises caused by the movement of a mother, and it is connected with the frequent transfer of ultrasonic converters. This method is not suitable for a long-term continuous monitoring due to a possible influence of ultrasonic radiation on the fetus. Use of fiber-optic technology offers many advantages, for example, use measuring probes based FBG or FOI does not represent any additional radiation burden for the pregnant woman or fetus, fiber-optic measurement probes are resistant to technical artifacts such as electromagnetic interferences (EMI), thus they can be used in situations where it is impossible to use classic methods, e.g. examination by magnetic resonance (MR) or in case of delivery in water. The article describes the first experimental knowledge of based on real measurements.

Authors of this article focused on the utilization of fiber optic sensors based on interferometric measurements for securing entrance areas of buildings such as windows and doors. We described the implementation of the fiber-optic interferometer (type Mach-Zehnder) into the window frame or door, sensor sensitivity, analysis of the background noise and methods of signal evaluation. The advantage of presented solution is the use of standard telecommunication fiber standard G.652.D, high sensitivity, immunity of sensor to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and passivity of the sensor regarding power supply. Authors implemented the Graphical User Interface (GUI) which offers the possibility of remote monitoring presented sensing solution.