This paper presents a 3D distance measurement accuracy improvement for stereo vision systems using optimization methods A Stereo Vision system is developed and tested to identify common uncertainty sources. As the optimization methods are used to train a neural network, the resulting equation can be implemented in real time stereo vision systems. Computational experiments and a comparative analysis are conducted to identify a training function with a minimal error performance for such method. The offered method provides a general purpose modelling technique, attending diverse problems that affect stereo vision systems. Finally, the proposed method is applied in the developed stereo vision system and a statistical analysis is performed to validate the obtained improvements.

A deformation sensing technique with a multimode plastic optical fibre based on intensity speckle patterns’ correlation coefficient measurement has been presented. Influence of the average speckle size on results of deformation measuring has been studied and discussed. The presented sensing technique provides a good linear response to the applied deformation in a relatively wide operation region. It is shown that the proposed technique is highly sensitive, low-cost and simple to implement in practice.

The Ag₈SnSe₆ argyrodite compound was synthesized by the direct melting of the elementary Ag, Sn and Se high purity grade stoichiometric mixture in a sealed silica ampoule. The prepared polycrystalline material was characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) reflection and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD showed that the Ag₈SnSe₆ crystallizes in orthorhombic structure, Pmn2₁ space group with lattice parameters: а = 7.89052(6) Å, b = 7.78976(6) Å, c = 11.02717(8) Å. Photoluminescence spectra of the Ag₈SnSe₆ polycrystalline wafer show two bands at 1675 nm and 1460 nm. Absorption edge position estimated from optical reflectance spectra is located in the 1413–1540 nm wavelength range.

Many variants of thin film technology are nowadays part of the photovoltaic market. The most popular are amorphous silicon, CIS (Copper Indium Selenide)/CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide)/CIGSS (Copper Indium Gallium Sulphur Selenide), and CdS/CdTe (Cadmium Sulphide/Cadmium-Telluride) cells. All mentioned types allow potentially for a flexible cell structure. Most emitter contacts are currently based on TCOs (Transparent Conductive Oxides), however, wider approach with alternative carbon nanoforms, silver nanolayers and polymer materials, called TCLs (Transparent Conductive Layers) are also in use. Authors decided to investigate influence of mechanical stresses on physical and electrical behaviour of these layers. Consequently, the aim of work is to determine the level and possible mechanisms of flexible a-Si cell parameters degradation due to a deterioration of transparent contact properties.

A dual-wavelength optical polarimetric approach has been proposed as a means of elimination of the systematic errors and estimation of the optical anisotropy parameters for a single DKDP crystal. Our HAUP-related polarimeter uses two semiconductor lasers with the neighbouring wavelengths of 635 nm and 650 nm. Based on the temperature dependence analysis of small characteristic azimuths of light polarization with respect to the axis of the sample, we found the parameters of imperfections of polarization system. We acquired eigen waves ellipticities in a DKDP crystal and found perpendicular to the optic axis value of the optical rotatory power. Our results correlate positively with previously measured data for KDP crystals.

In this work we discuss a method of preparation of a highly sensitive light detector based on ZnO nanorods. A photoresistor constructed by us is based on a heterojunction between high quality ZnO nanorods and high resistivity p-type Si used as a substrate for nanorods’ deposition. ZnO nanorods are grown by a modified version of a microwave assisted hydrothermal method which allows for growth of high quality ZnO nanorods in a few minutes. The obtained photoresistor responds to a wide spectral range of light starting from near infrared (IR) to ultraviolet (UV). Properties of the detector are evaluated. We propose the use of the detector as an optical switch.

This paper demonstrates the use of a zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film in a 1-μm ring laser cavity as a saturable absorber to successfully generate Q-switching pulses. The tunability of the laser pulses is achieved by integrating a tunable bandpass filter (TBPF) in an ytterbium-doped laser cavity that results in 9.4 nm of tuning range, which wavelength is from 1040.70 nm to 1050.1 nm. The peak energy in the pulse which is 1.47 nJ was measured together with a minimum pulse width of 2.4 μs. In addition, the repetition rate increases from 25.77 to 45.94 kHz as the pump power level being increased from 103.1 to 175.1 mW. The results obtained in this experiment demonstrated consistent results and stable throughout the experiment. Therefore, ZnO thin film is considered as a good candidate in 1-μm pulsed laser applications.