Archive for the ‘Solutions’ Category

Forgetting the Diffraction Limit: Avoid Optical Pitfalls Part 2

Key Takeaways The diffraction limit is the fundamental resolution limit of an optical system, dictated by the wave nature of light and diffraction.  When light passes through an aperture, it forms an Airy disk—a central bright spot surrounded by rings. The smallest focusable point, or minimum spot size, is defined by this disk.  Calculated as […]

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Understanding Reflective Optics

Key Takeaways: Reflective optics, essential for fields like astronomy, life sciences, and industrial applications, utilize mirrors to direct wavefronts.  Mirrors are either first surface, with coatings on the front, or second surface, with coatings on the back, affecting their use in precision optics.  Reflective coatings can be metallic, dielectric, or hybrid, tailored for durability and […]

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Geometric Optics vs. Wave Optics: Avoid Optical Pitfalls Part 1

Geometric Optics vs. Wave Optics Often people working in optics and photonics confuse geometric optics with wave optics, but they aren’t the same thing!  Geometric optics treats the propagation of light in terms of “rays”, where each ray travels in a straight line. But in wave optics, we consider the propagation of light in terms […]

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What is a Powell Lens? 

Key Takeaways Powell lenses are known as laser line generating lenses, producing straight, uniform laser lines by expanding collimated beams in one dimension.  Each lens’s apex showcases an acylindrical curve that evenly redistributes the optical power of a Ø0. A Powell lens transforms a Gaussian beam profile into a cross section with a significantly more […]

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Refracting laser beam expander

Introduction to Laser Beam Expander Lenses Laser beam expanding lens is a common laser device used in scientific experiments, laser ranging, laser printing, and other applications. The laser beam expanding lens can be realized in different forms, such as off-axis reflection, using a couple of prisms to expand the beam, and so on. The most […]

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Benefits of Telecentric Lenses

Key Takeaways: Telecentric lenses ensure consistent magnification and high image quality, minimizing distortion and offering a wide depth of field.  They excel in precise measurements across varying distances, crucial for quality control in industries like photolithography.  These lenses are pivotal for capturing detailed, clear images and detecting imperfections that conventional lenses might miss.  Whether for […]

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The Complete Guide to IR Lenses

Product Highlights Infrared (IR) lenses are specialized optical elements designed for use in the infrared spectrum, beyond visible light.  They gather and focus infrared radiation, enabling thermal detection and imaging.  Made from materials like germanium and zinc selenide, these lenses are transparent to infrared wavelengths, suitable for applications in industry, medicine, research, and defense.  IR […]

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Optics in Environmental Monitoring: Techniques and Applications

Optics in Environmental Monitoring: Techniques and Applications​ Optical metrology is a powerful tool in environmental monitoring. It enables us to monitor water quality, track greenhouse emissions and analyze potential pollutants in soil. It is the key to many types of oceanographic research as well as contamination monitoring. In some situations— for instance, when analyzing nuclear […]

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Ruggedized Imaging Lenses

Ruggedized imaging lenses are specialized lenses designed with ruggedized construction. Therefore, imaging lenses represent a complex and nuanced element within imaging systems. These lenses are commonly used in demanding industrial, surveillance, security, military, and machine vision applications where standard lenses might fail due to exposure to harsh environments such as dust, high humidity, extreme temperatures, […]

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1064nm Laser Beam Expander Case Study

Key Takeaways: The 50mm laser beam expander for 1064 nm wavelength provides precise 5X magnification, optimized for minimal losses and high transmission efficiency.  It ensures superior optical quality with reduced aberrations, robust mechanical design for durability, and easy integration into various applications like laser scanning and material processing.  Comprehensive testing and cost-effective design enhance reliability […]

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