Gemma Church explains how a new thermal model from Manx Precision Optics takes a new look at laser damage thresholds for the nanosecond pulse regime
Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) of an optical component de nes the maximum intensity the component can resist before the onset of laser damage and as a result is a critical parameter for any modern laser system, with the LIDT de ning the maximum possible intensity. However laser damage is a multi-faceted and complex problem with multiple theoretical mechanisms depending on pulse duration, optical coating quality and the manufacturing process of the component.
The development of optical coatings for use beyond Earth is driving innovation, Andrew Williams finds
Ultrafast lasers have seen much development and are now used in a wide range of applications ranging from extremely high power experiments to medical and engineering applications. With the increase in the use of these lasers the demand for suitable optical components and the required specifications has increased.
Carlos Lee, Epic’s director general, talks to Sami Musa, CEO of Chilas, a Dutch-based company specialising in ultra-narrow linewidth tuneable external cavity lasers
Photonics innovation relies on stronger communication between universities and the commercial sector. Jessica Rowbury reports from the Photonex conference in Glasgow
Electronics quality checks made using laser triangulation. (Image: Sick)
We ask four experts to give their advice for 3D imaging best practices
Sydney Institute for Astronomy researchers have developed a new type of wavefront sensor that leverages a ‘photonic lantern’ and deep learning. (Norris et al.)
Researchers have developed a wavefront sensor using a ‘photonic lantern’ that could optimise humanity’s viewing of the cosmos
At Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, engineers integrate the gamma ray and neutron spectrometer into the Psyche spacecraft. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
A gamma ray and neutron spectrometer was recently installed on the ‘Psyche’ spacecraft, which will launch next year to probe a distant asteroid and uncover clues about the origins of our solar system
