Optical design has traditionally required large amounts of complex calculations to be performed. This can now be automated.
(Image: Zhang et al.)
Researchers have developed a program for outputting high-quality freeform optical systems that simply requires basic optical design knowledge
In this whitepaper, we introduce a novel optical replication manufacturing method. We investigate the manufacture and measurement of freeform optics, explain how this high-precision replication manufacturing method works, and outline the benefits this manufacturing solution brings to OEMs and any organisation who wants to benefit from the inclusion of freeform optics at cost and at scale across their imaging applications.
Aspheric lenses are an extremely powerful tool for improving the performance of optical systems whilst also reducing the number of elements and consequently size and weight. It is important to understand, however, that aspheric optical components have their own set of specifications and manufacturing challenges. The use of sub-aperture grinding and polishing techniques create additional issues that need to be monitored and controlled to maximise the performance. Find out more about what to consider when specifying a high precision aspheric lens in the whitepaper from Edmund Optics.
Carlos Lee (right) with Israel Grossinger
Carlos Lee talks with Israel Grossinger, CEO and founder of Holo/Or, a developer of diffractive optics for laser systems
it is imperative to recognise the nuances of optical manufacturing, paying careful attention to the statistical assumption of models and manufacturing practicality
Nineteen new trainees have begun their professional life this year with the Berliner Glas Group in Berlin, Germany and Heerbrugg, Switzerland. The focus is on training precision opticians.
Holo/Or’s new single element collimated beam shaper, the Top Hat Cube, is a 25mm cube element that can shape any 3mm input beam into a collimated square or round top hat beam
Edmund Optics’ new Techspec Monolithic Reflective Beam Expanders (Mark I), are ideal for applications that require broadband or achromatic beam expansion
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Tiny nanodiamonds are being used to dramatically optimise the calibration of optical microscopes, Matthew Dale finds
After the test disk is placed inside the chamber, some fine tuning is required to ensure they are horizontal and perfectly centred (credit: Caltech)
LIGO scientists have developed a new mirror coating that could dramatically increase the observatory's detection rate of gravitational waves
Image credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
Advances in research have made strides in the improvement of wearable and AR/VR displays
LLNL optical engineers Justin Wolfe (left) and Simon Cohen are seen through the 'r' filter (credit: Garry McLeod)
A telescope, described as one of the world’s newest, has been completed following a project undertaken by researchers to develop some very specialist optical filters
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Advances in optical prisms are being used to help researchers gain a greater understanding of space and astronomy
Universities offering associate degrees for optics technicians could help answer the photonics skills shortage, finds Jessica Rowbury
