Technical Articles

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 …

Tougher laser diode requirements for WDM systems have led to a new generation of automated production test equipment.

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.

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.

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

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, …

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

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.

The basic function of a photovoltaic cell is to convert input sunlight energy expressed in irradiance into output usable electric energy.

Vibration site surveys can tell you a lot about how to specify equipment for vibration isolation in your laboratory.

Laser ultrasonic receiver with photoelectromotive force detector can measure dynamic displacement of rough surfaces moving at process speeds.

Savvy engineers know that the most economical system balances price with performance. Motion control plus thermal and mechanical stability can't be cut.