Abstract
A reflection configuration setup for long-period fiber gratings is presented. It permits to obtain a unique band with attenuation double than that obtained in transmission configuration, which is interesting for applications where this value is reduced (e. g., the mode transition phenomenon). The method is based on the deposition of a silver mirror at the end of the optical fiber, which permits to absorb the power transmitted through cladding modes and to avoid the generation of interferometric bands. The method also solves the requirement of a precise cleave or to polish the end of the grating, a drawback present in other publications. The versatility of the setup has been proved by application of the cladding etching technique until the attenuation band corresponding with the first guided mode in the cladding is visualized in an optical spectrum analyzer. The experimental results are supported by the numerical data obtained with a method based on the exact calculation of core and cladding modes and the utilization of coupled mode theory.

Abstract
Purpose: To study the impact of shielding elements in the proximity of Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) irradiation fields, and to generate graphical and quantitative information to assist radiation oncologists in the design of optimal shielding during pelvic and abdominal IORT. Method: An IORT system was modeled with BEAMnrc and EGS++ Monte Carlo codes. The model was validated in reference conditions by gamma index analysis against an experimental data set of different beam energies, applicator diameters, and bevel angles. The reliability of the IORT model was further tested considering shielding layers inserted in the radiation beam. Further simulations were performed introducing a bone-like layer embedded in the water phantom. The dose distributions were calculated as 3D dose maps. Results: The analysis of the resulting 2D dose maps parallel to the clinical axis shows that the bevel angle of the applicator and its position relative to the shielding have a major influence on the dose distribution. When insufficient shielding is used, a hotspot nearby the shield appears near the surface. At greater depths, lateral scatter limits the dose reduction attainable with shielding, although the presence of bone-like structures in the phantom reduces the impact of this effect. Conclusions: Dose distributions in shielded IORT procedures are affected by distinct contributions when considering the regions near the shielding and deeper in tissue: insufficient shielding may lead to residual dose and hotspots, and the scattering effects may enlarge the beam in depth. These effects must be carefully considered when planning an IORT treatment with shielding.

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Abstract
Optics is probably one on the most exciting topics in physics. However, it also contains some of the less understood phenomena by students - the light spectra obtained from the diffraction of light. The experimental study of light spectra for studying radiating bodies, usually requests sophisticated and expensive equipment that is not normaly affordable for schools, and only a few teachers know how to measure the wavelength of light in a spectrum. In this work we present a simple and inexpensive setup, with enough accuracy for measuring light spectra to be used both in physics and chemistry classes. We show how freeware software Tracker, commonly used for teaching mechanics, can serve to measure wavelengths with about 2 nm of resolution. Several approaches to the calibration of different setups are also provided, depending on the degree of accuracy demanded. © 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Abstract
This paper presents a numerically investigation of the performance analysis of a conventional photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with a planar metamaterials structure for refractive index sensing, based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR), using the finite element method (FEM). We study the concentration metamaterials conformed by the aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and silver (Ag) and compared its performance with a single metal (Ag), assessing their impacts in the effective refractive index. Furthermore, we also use different types of mechanics to describe the effects of varying the structural parameters sensor on the evanescent field and the sensor performance.