Technical Articles

Measuring the Efficiency of Diffraction Gratings

While simple in principle, measuring the efficiency of diffraction gratings is a complex process requiring precise methods to achieve acceptable results. Every optical, mechanical, ...

Technical Articles

Diffraction Gratings - The Crucial Dispersive Component

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 ...

Technical Articles

Optical Mounts: Ignore Them at Your Peril - Photonics Spectra

Optomechanical mounts may seem like insignificant design elements, but they can make or break a photonic application.

Technical Articles

Optical Table Basics: From Breadboards to Active Vibration Control Systems - Laser Focus World

Setting up an optical laboratory begins with specifying the optical table, a task more complex than it sounds. Understand your requirements before you place an order.

Technical Articles

Photonic Crystal Fibers Have Many Uses - Optoelectronics World

Advances in photonic-crystal-fiber technology promise to yield not only better ways to guide light, but more efficient fiber lasers as well.

Technical Articles

Vibration Isolation in Optical Test Systems - Photonics Tech Briefs

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 ...

Technical Articles

How To Minimize Measurement Errors In Solar Cell Testing - Solar Industry

Research using properly measured solar reference cells can be transferred to new technologies for full-scale modules.

Technical Articles

Specialized Systems Characterize Laser Diodes - Laser Focus World

Device sensitivity to temperature, current, and voltage must be accounted for when designing laser diode test systems.

Technical Articles

Specifying Fiber Alignment System Performance: Coupling Loss Offers An Alternative to Motion Capability - Motion Control Tech Briefs

One of the most difficult assembly tasks ever introduced into commercial manufacturing is the sub-micron alignment and attachment of a fiber-optic to a laser diode or other optical ...

Technical Articles

Spectral Processor and ASE Source Aid Fiber Sensing - Laser Focus World

A broadband amplified-spontaneous-emission fiber source and programmable spectral processor combine to enable wavelength-multiplexed fiber sensing with great flexibility.

Technical Articles

Table Improves Optical Systems from Ground Up - Laser Focus World

Photolithography and the semiconductor industry are facing a critical juncture. The 32 nm node is only a few years away, and next-generation methods for patterning the even-smaller, ...

Technical Articles

The Top Five Motion Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Recognizing and avoiding common errors will better prepare users of precision motion control devices to make purchasing decisions and may substantially improve application results.

Technical Articles

Tunable Diode Lasers - Lasers & Optronics

Tunable diode lasers are increasing their market penetration via rapid evolution with a new generation of products every year or so.

Technical Articles

UHV Environments Require More From Motion Systems - Laser Focus World

As the number of applications for ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) environments increases, motion systems must be modified to manipulate optics, particle beams, and measurement devices inside ...

Technical Articles

Better Test Systems Boost Laser Diode Performance - Photonics Spectra

As laser diodes continue their drive to the head of the class, instrumentation that provides test and measurement support is not far behind.

Technical Articles

Two-Photon Polymerization-From the Inside Out

Additive manufacturing and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) have radically altered how prototype, developmental and customized mechanical components are created. Now the landscape is ...

Technical Articles

Replicated Mirror Technology for Precision Optical System - Optica

High-performance mirrors sit at the heart of modern optical systems, and system capability often scales with aperture size and surface precision. Conventional routes to optical component ...

Technical Articles

Unlocking the Secrets of Replicated Mirrors

Replication offers a cost-effective method to produce complex optical geometries on diverse substrates complementing traditional “grind and shine” techniques. High-performance ...

Technical Articles

Keeping Optical Tables Steady - Photonics Spectra

Experimental results from a scanning laser doppler vibrometer eludicate the effects of active vibration damping.

Technical Articles

Automated Alignment Keeps Z Machine on Target - Laser Focus World

Computer-controlled motorized mirror mounts enable rapid realignment of beam-steering optics between discharges at Sandia National Labs’ Z machine.

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