Enhancing sensitivity of lateral flow assay with application to SARS-CoV-2.

Lateral flow assay (LFA) has long been used as a biomarker detection technique. It has advantages such as low cost, rapid readout, portability, and ease of use. However, its qualitative readout process and lack of sensitivity are limiting factors.

On the Convergence of Numerical Computations for Both Exact and Approximate Solutions for Electromagnetic Scattering by Nonspherical Dielectric Particles.

We summarize the size parameter range of the applicability of four light-scattering computational methods for nonspherical dielectric particles. These methods include two exact methods - the extended boundary condition method (EBCM) and the invariant imbedding T-matrix method (II-TM) and two approximate approaches - the physical-geometric optics method (PGOM) and the improved geometric optics method (IGOM). For spheroids, the single-scattering properties computed by EBCM and II-TM agree for size parameters up to 150, and the comparison gives us confidence in using IITM as a benchmark for size parameters up to 150 for other geometries (e.

On Babinet's principle and diffraction associated with an arbitrary particle.

Babinet's principle is widely used to compute the diffraction by a particle. However, the diffraction by a 3-D object is not totally the same as that simulated with Babinet's principle. This Letter uses a surface integral equation to exactly formulate the diffraction by an arbitrary particle and illustrate the condition for the applicability of Babinet's principle.

Physical-geometric optics method for large size faceted particles.

A new physical-geometric optics method is developed to compute the single-scattering properties of faceted particles. It incorporates a general absorption vector to accurately account for inhomogeneous wave effects, and subsequently yields the relevant analytical formulas effective and computationally efficient for absorptive scattering particles. A bundle of rays incident on a certain facet can be traced as a single beam.

Validation of quasi-invariant ice cloud radiative quantities with MODIS satellite-based cloud property retrievals.

Similarity relations applied to ice cloud radiance calculations are theoretically analyzed and numerically validated. If (1-) and (1-) are conserved where is optical thickness, the single-scattering albedo, and the asymmetry factor, it is possible that substantially different phase functions may give rise to similar radiances in both conservative and non-conservative scattering cases, particularly in the case of large optical thicknesses. In addition to theoretical analysis, this study uses operational ice cloud optical thickness retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Level 2 Collection 5 (C5) and Collection 6 (C6) cloud property products to verify radiative similarity relations.

Response to Comment on "Open-ocean fish reveal an omnidirectional solution to camouflage in polarized environments".

Cronin et al take issue with our evidence for polarocryptic carangid fish based on concerns of pseudoreplication, our contrast metric, and habitat. We clarify (i) the importance of camouflage in near-surface open ocean environments and (ii) the use of a Stokes contrast metric and further (iii) conduct individual-based statistics on our data set to confirm the reported polarocrypsis patterns.

Polarimetric imaging and retrieval of target polarization characteristics in underwater environment.

Polarized light fields contain more information than simple irradiance and such capabilities provide an advanced tool for underwater imaging. The concept of the beam spread function (BSF) for analysis of scalar underwater imaging was extended to a polarized BSF which considers polarization. The following studies of the polarized BSF in an underwater environment through Monte Carlo simulations and experiments led to a simplified underwater polarimetric imaging model.

Open-ocean fish reveal an omnidirectional solution to camouflage in polarized environments.

Despite appearing featureless to our eyes, the open ocean is a highly variable environment for polarization-sensitive viewers. Dynamic visual backgrounds coupled with predator encounters from all possible directions make this habitat one of the most challenging for camouflage. We tested open-ocean crypsis in nature by collecting more than 1500 videopolarimetry measurements from live fish from distinct habitats under a variety of viewing conditions.

Broadband and polarization reflectors in the lookdown, Selene vomer.

Predator evasion in the open ocean is difficult because there are no objects to hide behind. The silvery surface of fish plays an important role in open water camouflage. Various models have been proposed to account for the broadband reflectance by the fish skin that involve one-dimensional variations in the arrangement of guanine crystal reflectors, yet the three-dimensional organization of these guanine platelets have not been well characterized.

Benthic effects on the polarization of light in shallow waters.

Measurements of the upwelling polarized radiance in relatively shallow waters of varying depths and benthic conditions are compared to simulations, revealing the depolarizing nature of the seafloor. The simulations, executed with the software package RayXP, are solutions to the vector radiative transfer equation, which depends on the incident light field and three types of parameters: inherent optical properties, the scattering matrix, and the benthic reflectance. These were measured directly or calculated from measurements with additional assumptions.

Femtosecond-laser-induced shockwaves in water generated at an air-water interface.

We report generation of femtosecond-laser-induced shockwaves at an air-water interface by millijoule femtosecond laser pulses. We document and discuss the main processes accompanying this phenomenon, including light emission, development of the ablation plume in the air, formation of an ablation cavity, and, subsequently, a bubble developing in water. We also discuss the possibility of remotely controlling the characteristics of laser-induced sound waves in water through linear acoustic superposition of sound waves that results from millijoule femtosecond laser-pulse interaction with an air-water interface, thus opening up the possibility of remote acoustic applications in oceanic and riverine environments.

Angular distribution of diffuse reflectance from incoherent multiple scattering in turbid media.

The angular distribution of diffuse reflection is elucidated with greater understanding by studying a homogeneous turbid medium. We modeled the medium as an infinite slab and studied the reflection dependence on the following three parameters: the incident direction, optical depth, and asymmetry factor. The diffuse reflection is produced by incoherent multiple scattering and is solved through radiative transfer theory.

Inherent optical properties of the coccolithophore: Emiliania huxleyi.

A realistic nonspherical model for Emiliania huxleyi (EHUX) is built, based on electron micrographs of coccolithophore cells. The Inherent Optical Properties (IOP) of the EHUX are then calculated numerically by using the discrete dipole approximation. The coccolithophore model includes a near-spherical core with the refractive index of 1.

Mueller matrix holographic method for small particle characterization: theory and numerical studies.

Holographic imaging has proved to be useful for spherical particle characterization, including the retrieval of particle size, refractive index, and 3D location. In this method, the interference pattern of the incident and scattered light fields is recorded by a camera and compared with the relevant Lorenz-Mie solutions. However, the method is limited to spherical particles, and the complete polarized scattering components have not been studied.

Genesis and evolution of polarization of light in the ocean [invited].

The radiative transfer of sunlight through the deep oceans of the world is a complex and only partially solved environmental optical problem. Empirically, in situ systematic measurements of key parameters such as polarization of deep open seawater have been very sparse in recent decades. Although we have the necessary equation of transfer to solve this complex problem, until it can be solved explicitly, only approximations and partial analytic solutions are possible in addition to some successful computer modeling.

Effect of surrounding inhomogeneities on whispering gallery modes in spherical resonators.

The Amsterdam discrete dipole approximation (ADDA) is used to study the effects of an inhomogeneous refractive index in the surrounding medium of a microspherical resonator on the quality and position of the whispering gallery modes (WGMs). The model consists of a polystyrene microsphere with a refractive index, n, of 1.587 surrounded by water (n=1.

Backscattering properties of small layered plates: a model for iridosomes.

The backscattering properties of small layered plates are studied for various size parameter values with respect to the plate thickness, plate aspect ratio, number of layers, incident direction, and polarization states of the incident light. The results are compared with the analytical results for semi-infinite plates. The phase functions and the corresponding backscattering efficiencies of the small plates are computed with the Discrete Dipole Approximation method.

Energy transfer between laser filaments in liquid methanol.

We demonstrate energy exchange between two filament-forming femtosecond laser beams in liquid methanol. Our results are consistent with those of previous works documenting coupling between filaments in air; in addition, we identify an unreported phenomenon in which the direction of energy exchange oscillates at increments in the relative pulse delay equal to an optical period (2.6 fs).

Measurements and simulations of polarization states of underwater light in clear oceanic waters.

Polarization states of the underwater light field were measured by a hyperspectral and multiangular polarimeter and a video polarimeter under various atmospheric, surface, and water conditions, as well as solar and viewing geometries, in clear oceanic waters near Port Aransas, Texas. Some of the first comprehensive comparisons were made between the measured polarized light, including the degree and angle of linear polarization and linear Stokes parameters (Q and U), and those from Monte Carlo simulations that used concurrently measured water inherent optical properties and particle volume scattering functions as input. For selected wavelengths in the visible spectrum, measured and model-simulated polarization characteristics were found to be consistent in most cases.

Observation of non-principal plane neutral points in the in-water upwelling polarized light field.

Neutral points are specific directions in the light field where the three Stokes parameters Q, U, V, and thus the degree of polarization simultaneously go to zero. We have made the first measurement of non-principal-plane neutral points in the upwelling light field in natural waters. These neutral points are located at approximately 40°- 80° nadir angle and between 120° - 160° azimuth to the sun which is well off of the principal plane.

Simulation of the optical properties of plate aggregates for application to the remote sensing of cirrus clouds.

In regions of deep tropical convection, ice particles often undergo aggregation and form complex chains. To investigate the effect of the representation of aggregates on electromagnetic scattering calculations, we developed an algorithm to efficiently specify the geometries of aggregates and to compute some of their geometric parameters, such as the projected area. Based on in situ observations, ice aggregates are defined as clusters of hexagonal plates with a chainlike overall shape, which may have smooth or roughened surfaces.

Edge-effect contribution to the extinction of light by dielectric disks and cylindrical particles.

The extinction efficiency factor associated with the scattering of a plane electromagnetic wave impinging on a basal face of a dielectric disk or a cylindrical particle is investigated by employing the physical-geometric optics hybrid (PGOH) method and the discrete-dipole approximation (DDA) method. It is found that the derived extinction efficiency factor from the PGOH is a function of the thickness of the disk, or the length of the cylinder, and the refractive index, but is independent of the diameter and shape of the cross section of the basal face of the particle. Furthermore, the oscillations of the extinction efficiency factor versus the thickness or length of the particle do not diminish if the particle is not absorptive.

Spectral phase retrieval from interferometric autocorrelation by a combination of graduated optimization and genetic algorithms.

We describe a method for retrieving spectral phase information from second harmonic interferometric autocorrelation measurements supplemented by the use of the observed spectral intensity. By applying a combination of graduated optimization and genetic algorithms, accurate phase retrieval of laser pulses as short as a few optical cycles was obtained from the measured autocorrelation and spectral intensity. The effectiveness of the combined algorithms is demonstrated on a set of significantly different femtosecond pulse shapes.

Platform effects on optical variability and prediction of underwater visibility.

We present hydrographic and optical data collected concurrently from two different platforms, the R/P FLoating Instrument Platform and the R/V Kilo Moana, located about 2km apart in the Santa Barbara Channel in California. We show that optical variability between the two platforms was due primarily to platform effects, specifically the breakdown of stratification from mixing by the hull of R/P FLIP. Modeled underwater radiance distribution differed by as much as 50% between the two platforms during stratified conditions.