Pump-seed synchronization for MHz repetition rate, high-power optical parametric chirped pulse amplification

We report on an active synchronization between two independent mode-locked lasers using a combined electronic-optical feedback. With this scheme, seed pulses at MHz repetition rate were amplified in a non-collinear optical parametric chirped pulse amplifier (OPCPA). The amplifier was seeded with stretched 1.5 nJ pulses from a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire oscillator, while pumped with the 1 ps, 2.9 µJ frequency-doubled output of an Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillator. The residual timing jitter between the two oscillators was suppressed to 120 fs (RMS), allowing for an efficient and broadband amplification at 11.5 MHz to a pulse energy of 700 nJ and an average power of 8 W. First compression experiment with 240 nJ amplified pulse energy resulted in a pulse duration of ~10 fs.

Accurate modal gain control in a multimode erbium doped fiber amplifier incorporating ring doping and a simple LP_01 pump configuration

We experimentally validate a numerical model to study multimode erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (MM-EDFAs). Using this model, we demonstrate the improved performance achievable in a step index MM-EDFA incorporating a localized erbium doped ring and its potential for Space Division Multiplexed (SDM) transmission. Using a pure LP₀₁ pump beam, which greatly simplifies amplifier construction, accurate modal gain control can be achieved by carefully tuning the thickness of the ring-doped layer in the active fiber and the pump power. In particular, by optimizing the erbium-ring-doped structure and the length of active fiber used, over 20dB gain for both LP₀₁ and LP₁₁ signals with a maximum gain difference of around 2 dB across the C band are predicted for a pure LP₀₁ pump beam delivering 250 mW power at 980 nm.

Te-based chalcohalide glasses for far-infrared optical fiber

International audienceTellurium based glasses have been studied for their optical properties in the far infrared region. New glasses, in the system Ge-Te-AgI, present a very good thermal stability. Indeed, for the first time, no obvious crystallization peak is observed in tellurium based glasses. Then, fibers have been drawn showing interesting optical losses and quite large transmission in the mid-infrared. So, these glasses are good candidates for the elaboration of single mode fibers able to detect the CO2 signature at 15µm for the ESA Darwin project

Association of indigo with zeolites for improved colour stabilization

The durability of an organic colour and its resistance against externalchemical agents and exposure to light can be significantly enhanced byhybridizing the natural dye with a mineral. In search for stable naturalpigments, the present work focuses on the association of indigo blue withseveral zeolitic matrices (LTA zeolite, mordenite, MFI zeolite). Themanufacturing of the hybrid pigment is tested under varying oxidisingconditions, using Raman and UV-visible spectrometric techniques. Blendingindigo with MFI is shown to yield the most stable composite in all of ourartificial indigo pigments. In absence of defects and substituted cations suchas aluminum in the framework of the MFI zeolite matrix, we show that matchingthe pore size with the dimensions of the guest indigo molecule is the keyfactor. The evidence for the high colour stability of indigo@MFI opens a newpath for modeling the stability of indigo in various alumino-silicatesubstrates such as in the historical Maya Blue pigment.

Mapping of Carboxypeptidase M in Normal Human Kidney and Renal Cell Carcinoma

Although the kidney generally has been regarded as an excellent source of carboxypeptidase M (CPM), little is known about its renal-specific expression level and distribution. This study provides a detailed localization of CPM in healthy and diseased human kidneys. The results indicate a broad distribution of CPM along the renal tubular structures in the healthy kidney. CPM was identified at the parietal epithelium beneath the Bowman’s basement membrane and in glomerular mesangial cells. Capillaries, podocytes, and most interstitial cells were CPM negative. Tumor cells of renal cell carcinoma subtypes lose CPM expression upon dedifferentiation. Tissue microarray analysis demonstrated a correlation between low CPM expression and tumor cell type. CPM staining was intense on phagocytotic tumor-associated macrophages. Immunoreactive CPM was also detected in the tumor-associated vasculature. The absence of CPM in normal renal blood vessels points toward a role for CPM in angiogenesis. Coexistence of CPM and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was detected in papillary renal cell carcinoma. However, the different subcellular localization of CPM and EGFR argues against an interaction between these h proteins. The description of the distribution of CPM in human kidney forms the foundation for further study of the (patho)physiological activities of CPM in the kidney.

Correction: A Novel Procedure for Precise Quantification of Schistosoma japonicum Eggs in Bovine Feces

Correction: Resistance to DDT and Pyrethroids and Increased kdr Mutation Frequency in An. gambiae after the Implementation of Permethrin-Treated Nets in Senegal

Correction: Comparison of Phenotypes between Different vangl2 Mutants Demonstrates Dominant Effects of the Looptail Mutation during Hair Cell Development

Correction: Comprehensive Exploration of the Effects of miRNA SNPs on Monocyte Gene Expression

Correction: The Canine Oral Microbiome