Tutorials

Technical Notes

Fiber Optic Coupling

The problem of coupling light into an optical fiber is really two separate problems. In one case, we have the problem of coupling into multimode fibers, where the ray optics of the …

Technical Notes

Optics Formulas

Light is a transverse electromagnetic wave. The electric E and magnetic M fields are perpendicular to each other and to the propagation vector k, as shown below. Power density is given …

Technical Notes

How to Clean Optics

Dust and stains on Optics can cause scattering, and impurities on the optic surface can react with incident laser light to damage optical coatings. With proper handling and cleaning …

Technical Notes

Linear Translation Stage Terminology

This glossary covers important terms related to linear translation stages.

Application Notes

Introduction to Laser Frequency Stabilization

The steps outlined in this application note can be used to stabilize a TLB-7000, TLB-6900, or TLB-6300 series tunable diode laser to a reference cavity using the Pound-Drever-Hall stabilization …

Technical Notes

Motion Basics Terminology & Standards

The function of a stage is to constrain motion to a desired direction. For a linear stage, the desired motion is along an ideal straight line. Any motion in a constrained direction …

Application Notes

The Michelson Interferometer Experimental Setup

Albert A. Michelson won the 1907 Nobel Prize in Physics “for his optical precision instruments and the spectroscopic and metrological investigations carried out with their aid.” One …

Tutorials

Introduction to Positioning Equipment

This tutorial introduces opto-mechanical component design basics and will familiarize the reader with the issues that need consideration in the selection of the most commonly used tabletop …

Technical Notes

Laser Damage Threshold

For continuous wave (CW) lasers the damage threshold can be calculated from the peak power and beam diameter. For example, to calculate the power density of a 50 mW Nd:YAG laser at …

Selection Guides

Optical Mirror Mount Guide

We offer the widest range of off the shelf Mirror Mounts from low cost entry level to the highest performing, most stable mounts available anywhere. Use the selection guide below to …

Technical Notes

High Speed Detectors

There are many common parameters one considers when selecting a detector for a particular application. These include pulsewidth, bandwidth, responsivity, spectral sensitivity, noise …

Technical Notes

Stage Components Considerations

Choosing the right positioning technology for an application is a complex task. There are numerous choices of linear stages, rotation stages and actuators and each product has its own …

Technical Notes

Optical Detector Definitions of Characteristics

This glossary covers important terms relating to our New Focus photodetectors and photoreceivers.

Technical Notes

Linear Translation Stage Technology Guide

Each material used in the design of a linear translation stage has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The following is a summary of the properties for the most common …

Selection Guides

Multi-Axis Manual Positioning Guide

Many of Newport's Manual Linear, Vertical, Rotation and Goniometric Positioners and Tilt Platforms have been designed to operate together so that they can easily be combined into countless …

Technical Notes

Optical Mirror Mount Technology Guide

An Optical Mirror Mount is a device used in optics research that securely holds a mirror in place while allowing for precision tip and tilt adjustment. Due to the sensitive nature of …

Tutorials

How the Picomotor Actuator Works

The Picomotor's actuator relies on the basic difference between dynamic and static friction. A graphic example of this is the “tablecloth trick,” in which a quick pull of the cloth …

Application Notes

FM Spectroscopy With Tunable Diode Lasers

Frequency-modulation spectroscopy is a powerful tool that can achieve high sensitivities with a relatively simple experimental setup. Tunable diode lasers, in particular, can make the …

Technical Notes

Control Theory Terminology

Common motion systems use three types of control methods. They are position control, velocity control and torque control. The majority of Newport’s motion systems use position control. …

Application Notes

Phase-Shifting Interferometry for Determining Optical Surface Quality

Determining the surface quality of a critical component—the deviation from the intended shape whether flat, spherical, etc.—is crucial to high-precision manufacturing. Traditional methods …

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