Indium iodide single crystal: breakthrough material for infrared acousto-optics.

Measurements of the refractive indices and the full set of longitudinal acousto-optical figures of merit in an orthorhombic single-crystal indium iodide (InI) were carried out. The high acousto-optic characteristics ( up to 1100×10) and strong optical anisotropy (=0.47) make it possible to design various types of high-performance acousto-optic devices of the middle and far-infrared spectral range.

Optimization of upconversion luminescence excitation mode for deeper in vivo bioimaging without contrast loss or overheating.

Upconversion nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention as luminescent markers for bioimaging and sensing due to their capability to convert near-infrared (NIR) excitation into visible or NIR luminescence. However, the wavelength of about 970 nm is commonly used for the upconversion luminescence excitation, where the strong absorption of water is observed, which can lead to laser-induced overheating effects. One of the strategies for avoiding such laser-induced heating involves shifting the excitation into shorter wavelengths region.