While simple in principle, measuring the efficiency of diffraction gratings is a complex process requiring precise methods to achieve acceptable results. Every optical, mechanical, …
A grating disperses light incident on it. Dispersion is the phenomenon by which a spectrum of light is separated in space by wavelength. Prisms also disperse light by wavelength and …
Identifying and quantifying the potential noise sources in your lab are the first steps toward understanding what vibration control solutions may be required to achieve acceptable …
A motorized gimbal mount has been developed to scan and position large, heavy optics with high angular resolution
The demand for high-precision laser diode components has skyrocketed with the rapid growth of optical networks using dense wavelength division multiplexing technology that requires …
The solar industry looks set for explosive growth as it takes advantage of innovations enabled by lasers and new manufacturing technologies.
It is particularly challenging to measure a low-average-power pulsed light source, such as an LED or a low-power laser diode, especially when the electrical designers do not know the …
Optomechanical mounts may seem like insignificant design elements, but they can make or break a photonic application.
A common source of instability within a light beam path is vibration. Vibration control systems that include, typically, vibration isolators and optical tables, are intended to minimize …
Research using properly measured solar reference cells can be transferred to new technologies for full-scale modules.
To address alignment needs ranging from large-diameter single-core optical fibers to high-resolution diffraction gratings, motion-control software must be configurable for multiaxis …
Optical tables and vibration isolation supports have become the de-facto standard for providing a stable environment for complex laser systems and their applications.
What exactly is a freeform, and what makes it so useful? A freeform is a surface that lacks rotational and translational symmetry. This puts them in sharp contrast to most traditional …
Experimental results from a scanning laser doppler vibrometer eludicate the effects of active vibration damping.
Computer-controlled motorized mirror mounts enable rapid realignment of beam-steering optics between discharges at Sandia National Labs’ Z machine.
Tougher laser diode requirements for WDM systems have led to a new generation of automated production test equipment.
The basic function of a photovoltaic cell is to convert input sunlight energy expressed in irradiance into output usable electric energy.
Accurate measurement of the position of a laser beam can be achieved in several ways, each with its strengths and weaknesses. A comparison of these has resulted in an active beam-stabilization …
Resonant-cavity enhanced detectors improve detection and wavelength selectivity, high-power traveling-wave detectors increase dynamic range of analog fiber links.
Vibration site surveys can tell you a lot about how to specify equipment for vibration isolation in your laboratory.
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