arXiv subjects

Juan A. Monsoriu

Publications and source records attributed to Juan A. Monsoriu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Visualizing acoustical beats with a smartphones

In this work, a new Physics laboratory experiment on Acoustics beats is presented. We have designed a simple experimental setup to study superposition of sound waves of slightly different frequencies (acoustic beat). The microphone of a smartphone is used to capture the sound waves emitted by two equidistant speakers from the mobile which are at the same time connected to two AC generators. The smartphone is used as a measuring instrument. By means of a simple and free AndroidTM application, the sound level (in dB) as a function of time is measured and exported to a .csv format file. Applying common graphing analysis and a fitting procedure, the frequency of the beat is obtained. The beat frequencies as obtained from the smartphone data are compared with the difference of the frequencies set at the AC generator. A very good agreement is obtained being the percentage discrepancies within 1 %.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2017

Direct visualization of mechanical beats by means of an oscillating smartphone

The resonance phenomenon is widely known from Physics courses. Qualitatively speaking, it takes place in a driven oscillating system whenever the driven frequency approaches the natural frequency. It is when the amplitude of the oscillations become maximal. Very closely related to this phenomenon, there is another which is very surprising too. It takes place when the driven and natural frequencies of the system are slightly different and interfere constructively and destructively, forming the so called beats. The frequency of the beats is just the difference of the interfering waves frequencies. Beats are very noticeable in acoustic systems. We all have probably perceived them in the form of periodic ups and downs in the sound intensity volume. There are several works in this journal on visualizing the beats in acoustic systems. For instance, the microphone and the speaker of two mobile devices were used in previous work to analyze the acoustic beat produced by two signals of close frequencies. The formation of beats can also be visualized in mechanical systems, such as a mass-spring system5 or a double driven string. Hereafter, the mechanical beats in a smartphone-spring system are directly visualized in a simple way. The frequency of the beats is measured by means of the acceleration sensor of a smartphone which hangs from a spring attached to a motor driver.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2016

Two-dimensional relative peripheral refractive error induced by Fractal Contact Lenses for myopia control

Purpose: To assess the peripheral refraction induced by Fractal Contact Lenses (FCLs) in myopic eyes by means of a two-dimensional Relative Peripheral Refractive Error (RPRE) map. Methods: FCLs prototypes were specially manufactured and characterized. This study involved twenty-six myopic subjects ranging from -0.50 D to -7.00 D. The two-dimensional RPRE was measured with an open-field autorefractor by means of tracking targets distributed in a square grid from -30 degrees (deg) nasal to 30 deg temporal and 15 deg superior to -15 deg inferior. Corneal topographies were taken in order to assess correlations between corneal asphericity, lens decentration and RPRE represented in vector components M, J0 and J45. Results: The mean power of the FCLs therapeutic zones was 1.32 +/- 0.28 D. Significant correlations were found between the corneal asphericity and vector components of the RPRE in the nacked eyes. FCLs were decentered a mean of 0.7 +/- 0.19 mm to the temporal cornea. M decreased asymmetrically between nasal and temporal retina after fitting the FCLs with a significant increment of the myopic shift besides 10 deg (p<0.05) and the induced myopic shift at 25 deg and 30 deg decreased with FCLs decentration to temporal cornea. The peak of maximum myopic shift at the peripheral retina (M= -1.3 D) was located at 20 deg. Two-dimensional maps showed uniform significant differences in extreme positions of the visual field in comparison with the horizontal RPRE for M and J0, but not for J45. Conclusions: FCLs measured in myopic eyes showed a similar performance than the reported in previous ray-tracing studies with a small bias explained by the manufacturing process and the lens decentration. Two-dimensional maps are preferable for assessing J45 changes due to the lens.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2016

Fast and reliable stereopsis measurement at multiple distances with iPad

Purpose: To present a new fast and reliable application for iPad (ST) for screening stereopsis at multiple distances. Methods: A new iPad application (app) based on a random dot stereogram was designed for screening stereopsis at multiple distances. Sixty-five subjects with no ocular diseases and wearing their habitual correction were tested at two different distances: 3 m and at 0.4 m. Results were compared with other commercial tests: TNO (at near) and Howard Dolman (at distance) Subjects were cited one week later in order to repeat the same procedures for assessing reproducibility of the tests. Results: Stereopsis at near was better with ST (40 arcsec) than with TNO (60 arcsec), but not significantly (p = 0.36). The agreement was good (k = 0.604) and the reproducibility was better with ST (k = 0.801) than with TNO (k = 0.715), in fact median difference between days was significant only with TNO (p = 0.02). On the other hand, poor agreement was obtained between HD and ST at far distance (k=0.04), obtaining significant differences in medians (p = 0.001) and poorer reliability with HD (k = 0.374) than with ST (k = 0.502). Conclusions: Screening stereopsis at near with a new iPad app demonstrated to be a fast and realiable. Results were in a good agreement with conventional tests as TNO, but it could not be compared at far vision with HD due to the limited resolution of the iPad.

cs.CV↗

arXiv2016

Design, characterization and visual performance of a new multizone contact lens

Objectives: To analyze the whole process involved in the production of a new bifocal Multizone Contact Lens (MCL) for presbyopia. Methods: The optical quality of a new MCL was evaluated by ray tracing software in a model eye with pupil different diameters with the lens centered and decentered. A stock of low addition (+1.5 D) MCL for presbyopia was ordered for manufacturing. Power profiles were measured with a contact lens power mapper, processed with a custom software and compared with the theoretical design. Nine lenses from the stock were fitted to presbyopic subjects and the visual performance was evaluated with new APPs for iPad Retina. Results: Numerical simulations showed that the trough the focus curve provided by MCL has an extended depth of focus. The optical quality was not dependent on pupil size and only decreased for lens decentered with a pupil diameter of 4.5 mm. The manufactured MCL showed a smoothed power profile with a less-defined zones. The bias between experimental and theoretical zone sizes was uniform along the optical zone unless for the most central area. Eyes fitted with the manufactured MCL showed an improvement in near Visual Acuity (VA) and near stereopsis. Althouh Contrast Sensitivity (CS) at distance decreased, the defocus curve for contrast showed an extended depth of focus correlated to the ray tracing results. Conclusions: The understanding of vision with MCL requires a process that involves design and characterization for detecting any defect that may have impact in the final visual performance. Keywords: Multifocal contact lenses, design, characterization, visual performance

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2016

Theoretical and experimental study of the normal modes in a coupled two-dimensional system

In this work, the normal modes of a two-dimensional oscillating system have been studied from a theoretical and experimental point of view. The normal frequencies predicted by the Hessian matrix for a coupled two-dimensional particle system are compared to those obtained for a real system consisting of two oscillating smartphones coupled one to the other by springs. Experiments are performed on an air table in order to remove the friction forces. The oscillation data are captured by the acceleration sensor of the smartphones and exported to file for further analysis. The experimental frequencies compare reasonably well with the theoretical predictions, namely, within 1.7 % of discrepancy.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2012

Using the mobile phone acceleration sensor in Physics experiments: free and damped harmonic oscillations

The mobile acceleration sensor has been used to in Physics experiments on free and damped oscillations. Results for the period, frequency, spring constant and damping constant match very well to measurements obtained by other methods. The Accelerometer Monitor application for Android has been used to get the outputs of the sensor. Perspectives for the Physics laboratory have also been discussed.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2008

Fractal Generalized Zone Plates

The construction of fractal generalized zone plates (FraGZPs) from a set of periodic diffractive optical elements with circular symmetry is proposed. This allows us to increase the number of foci of a conventional fractal zone plate (FraZP), keeping the self-similarity property within the axial irradiance. The focusing properties of these fractal diffractive optical elements for points not only along but also in the close vicinity of the optical axis are investigated. In both cases analytical expressions for the irradiance are derived. Numerical simulations of the energetic efficiency of FraGZPs under plane wave illumination are carried out. In addition, some effects on the axial irradiance caused by the variation in area of their transparent rings are shown.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2007

Tunnelling in quantum superlattices with variable lacunarity

Quantum fractal superlattices are microelectronic devices consisting of a series of thin layers of two semiconductor materials deposited alternately on each other over a substrate following the rules of construction of a fractal set, here, a symmetrical polyadic Cantor fractal. The scattering properties of electrons in these superlattices may be modeled by using that of quantum particles in piecewise constant potential wells. The twist plots representing the reflection coefficient as function of the lacunarity parameter show the appearance of black curves with perfectly transparent tunnelling which may be classified as vertical, arc, and striation nulls. Approximate analytical formulae for these reflection-less curves are derived using the transfer matrix method. Comparison with the numerical results show their good accuracy.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2007

Introductory Quantum Physics Courses using a LabVIEW multimedia module

We present the development of a LabVIEW multimedia module for introductory Quantum Physics courses and our experience in the use of this application as an educational tool in learning methodologies. The program solves the Time Dependent Schrodinger Equation for arbitrary potentials. We describe the numerical method used for solving this equation, as well as some mathematical tools employed to reduce the calculation time and to obtain more accurate results. As an illustration, we present the evolution of a wave packet for three different potentials: the repulsive barrier potential, the repulsive step potential, and the harmonic oscillator. This application has been successfully integrated in the learning strategies of the course Quantum Physics for Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2007

Testing theoretical models of magnetic damping using an air track

Magnetic braking is a long-established application of Lenz's law. A rigorous analysis of the laws governing this problem involves solving Maxwell's equations in a time-dependent situation. Approximate models have been developed to describe different experiences related to this phenomenon. In this paper we present a new method for the analysis of the magnetic braking using a magnet fixed to the glider of an air track. The forces acting on the glider, a result of the eddy currents, can be easily observed and measured. As a consequence of the air track inclination, the glider accelerates at the beginning, although it asymptotically tends towards a uniform rectilinear movement characterized by a terminal speed. This speed depends on the interaction between the magnetic field and the conductivity properties of the air track. Compared with previous related approaches, in our experimental setup the magnet fixed to the glider produces a magnetic braking force which acts continuously, rather than over a short period of time. The experimental results satisfactorily concur with the theoretical models adapted to this configuration.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2007

Visualizing the Doppler Effect

The development of Information and Communication Technologies suggests some spectacular changes in the methods used for teaching scientific subjects. Nowadays, the development of software and hardware makes it possible to simulate processes as close to reality as we want. However, when we are trying to explain some complex physical processes, it is better to simplify the problem under study using simplified pictures of the total process by eliminating some elements that make it difficult to understand this process. In this work we focus our attention on the Doppler effect which requires the space-time visualization that is very difficult to obtain using the traditional teaching resources. We have designed digital simulations as a complement of the theoretical explanation in order to help students understand this phenomenon.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2007

Fractal zone plates for wideband imaging with low chromatic aberration and extended depth of field

Fresnel zone plates are diffractive elements that are essential to form images in many scientific and technological areas, especially where refractive optics is not available. One of the main shortcomings of Fresnel zone plates, which limit their utility with broadband sources, is their high chromatic aberration. Recently presented, Fractal Zone Plates (FZPs) are diffractive lenses characterized by an extended focal depth with a fractal structure. This behaviour predicts an improved performance of FZPs as image forming devices with an extended depth of field and a reduced chromatic aberration. Here we report the achievement of the first polychromatic images obtained with a FZP that confirm these predictions. We show that the polychromatic modulation transfer function (MTF) of a FZP affected by defocus is about two times better than one corresponding to a Fresnel zone plate. This result opens the possibility to improve imaging techniques that use conventional Fresnel zone plates over a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, ranging from x-rays to THz.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2007

Lacunar fractal photon sieves

We present a new family of diffractive lenses whose structure is based on the combination of two concepts: photon sieve and fractal zone plates with variable lacunarity. The focusing properties of different members of this family are examined. It is shown that the sieves provide a smoothing effect on the higher order foci of a conventional lacunar fractal zone plate. However, the characteristic self-similar axial response of the fractal zone plates is always preserved.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2006

Fractal photon sieve

A novel focusing structure with fractal properties is presented. It is a photon sieve in which the pinholes are appropriately distributed over the zones of a fractal zone plate. The focusing properties of the fractal photon sieve are analyzed. The good performance of our proposal is demonstrated experimentally with a series of images obtained under white light illumination. It is shown that compared with a conventional photon sieve, the fractal photon sieve exhibits an extended depth of field and a reduced chromatic aberration.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2006

Zero permeability and zero permittivity band gaps in 1D metamaterial photonic crystals

We consider layered heterostructures combining ordinary positive index materials and dispersive metamaterials. We show that these structures can exhibit a new type of photonic gap around frequencies where either the magnetic permeability μor the electric permittivity εof the metamaterial is zero. Although the interface of a semi-infinite medium with zero refractive index (a condition attained either when μ= 0 or when ε= 0) is known to give full reflectivity for all incident polarizations, here we show that a gap corresponding to μ= 0 occurs only for TE polarized waves, whereas a gap corresponding to ε= 0 occurs only for TM polarized waves. These band gaps are scale-length invariant and very robust against disorder, although they may disappear for the particular case of propagation along the stratification direction.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2005

Vortex transmutation

Using group theory arguments and numerical simulations, we demonstrate the possibility of changing the vorticity or topological charge of an individual vortex by means of the action of a system possessing a discrete rotational symmetry of finite order. We establish on theoretical grounds a "transmutation pass rule'' determining the conditions for this phenomenon to occur and numerically analize it in the context of two-dimensional optical lattices or, equivalently, in that of Bose-Einstein condensates in periodic potentials.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2004

Fractal Photonic Crystal Waveguides

We propose a new class of one-dimensional (1D) photonic waveguides: the fractal photonic crystal waveguides (FPCWs). These structures are photonic crystal waveguides (PCWs) etched with fratal distribution of grooves such as Cantor bars. The transmission properties of the FPCWs are investigated and compared with those of the conventional 1D PCWs. It is shown that the FPCW transmission spectrum has self-similarity properties associated with the fractal distribution of grooves. Furthermore, FPCWs exhibit sharp localized transmissions peaks that are approximately equidistant inside the photonic band gap.

physics.optics↗