Abstract
We report on the development of HiLight, a new multiphysics simulation platform for advanced photonics with interactive modules dedicated to the study of the propagation of light in multitude of spatially structured optical media, including nonlocal and nonlinear media, optical lattices with atomic gases and plasmas, among others.

Abstract
Optical fiber sensors (OFS) based on long-period fiber gratings (LPFG) or on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) represent attractive solutions for detection systems in remote areas. An interrogation system consisting on wavelength modulation of fiber coupled distributed feedback (DFB) lasers was implemented and tested. The system uses a single photodetector to individually acquire the intensity of each DFB laser modulated by the OFS and the real transmission spectrum is reconstructed through curve fitting. Testing was accomplished by measuring the spectral features of an LPFG when changing the surrounding refractive index and errors lower than 1.8 nm in the 1530 to 1570 nm wavelength region were obtained.

Abstract
Food labelling is a means of communication between food business operators and consumers, representing an important factor in consumer purchasing decisions. The enforcement of the new food labelling policy is aimed to improve food safety and public health through the mandatory indication of information and nutritional values. To understand the usefulness of the information provided for consumers, a survey was carried out to assess the efficacy of the information presented in food labelling. Principal component analysis was performed to obtain a smaller number of uncorrelated factors regarding the usefulness of food labelling. Results showed consumers usually do not read food labels due to lack of time and excessive information. Additionally, food labelling was observed to be more useful for specific consumer groups, such as, athletes, consumers with health conditions or consumers concerned with a healthy lifestyle. The results of the present study highlight the need of information campaigns by public health authorities to show the importance and advantages of reading food labels as well as the development of essential information which should be quickly and clearly seen and understood by consumers.

Abstract
In this work, the fabrication of optical waveguides embedded in fused silica (Suprasil1) and boro-aluminosilicate glass (Eagle2000) is demonstrated with femtosecond laser direct writing, as well as their suitability to be brought to the surface, through wet etching, for enhanced evanescent coupling with the external dielectric medium. Fused silica demonstrated to be inappropriate in this particular application, as the guiding region is at the bottom of the induced modification, creating a barrier between the guided mode and the substrate’s boundary. Furthermore, the existence of nanogratings meant that, upon contact of the top of the induced modification with the substrate’s boundary, the waveguide is quickly etched. Eagle2000 demonstrated to be superior to fused silica due to its characteristic modification cross-section and absence of nanogratings, which allowed the placement of the guiding region as close to the substrate’s surface as required. However, surface roughness arising from the creation of insoluble products in the HF solution was found. The addition of HCl to dissolve these products was implemented.

Abstract
Fs-laser micromachining is a high precision fabrication technique that can be used to write novel three-dimensional structures, depending on the nature of light-matter interaction. In fused silica, the material modification can lead to (i) an increase of the refractive index around the focal volume, resulting in the formation of optical circuits, or (ii) an enhancement of the etch rate of the laser-affected zones relative to the pristine material, leading to a selective and anisotropic etching reaction that enables fabrication of microfluidic systems. Here, both effects are combined to fabricate a Fabry-Pérot interferometer, where optical waveguides and microfluidic channels are integrated monolithically in a fused silica chip. By filling the channel with a magnetic fluid whose refractive index changes with an external magnetic field, the device can be used as a magnetic field sensor. A linear sensitivity of -0.12 nm/mT is obtained in the 5.0±0.5 to 33.0±0.5 mT range, with the field being applied parallel to the light propagation direction.

Abstract
Cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis have been employed to investigate the reductive intramolecular cyclization of propargyl bromoethers derivatives, catalyzed by electrogenerated (1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraaza-cyclotetradecane) nickel(I), [Ni(tmc)](+), as the catalyst, in N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide, [N-1 1 1 2(OH)][NTf2] and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide, [C(2)mim][NTf2] in the absence and in the presence of water. The results show that the reaction leads to the formation of the expected heterocyclic compounds, in moderate to good yields. These compounds are important intermediates in the synthesis of natural products with possible biological activities. (C) 2019 The Electrochemical Society.