The LZH and its partners are developing fast, contactless microscopy techniques for detecting bacteria. (Image: LZH)
The work could significantly accelerate the characterisation and classification of biofilms in clinical environments
The ALD system could be used to coat complex augmented, virtual and mixed reality optics at higher efficiency
Tim Reynolds speaks to Gerd-Albert Hoffmann, head of the Optics Integration Group at Laser Zentrum Hannover, about a new spatial atomic layer deposition system
This white paper from Spectrum Scientific (SSI) explains how its optical coatings provide superior reflectivity to boost the sensitivity of optical systems operating in the DUV and VUV spectral regions.
The increase in applications for infrared (IR) optics has led to a wider demand for chalcogenides. But the manufacture and coating of this substrate is not without its challenges. This white paper details some of the options available and offers advice on how to source the right fabrication and coating partners.
The plasma-based Spatial ALD system operates with rotation and can precisely coat even complex-shaped optics. (Image: LZH)
The system achieves higher deposition rates than previously possible, and could apply to the automotive lighting or VR/AR sectors
An artist's conception of JWST in space. Credit: NASA
The JWST is an example of the culmination of years of work in technology development and research into advancing photonics technologies
The new Sirrus plasma physical vapor deposition platform offers full spectral coverage from ultraviolet (200µm) to infrared (14µm)
Image credit: Yury Zap/Shutterstock.com
A look at the current market for optical coatings and some of the products and solutions available
With the development of next generation high-energy solid-state lasers, comes the need for laser crystals and optics to meet new demanding requirements. As pulse energy continues to increase, optic component manufacturers are challenged to meet these new needs. The laser damage threshold of the optical thin film coatings used for these critical system components has historically been one of the limiting factors. For medical, industrial, scientific, and defense applications it is becoming increasingly important to not only meet the spectral performance, but also to protect the optical surfaces with coatings that show high laser induced damage threshold (LIDT). This white paper highlights how Northrop Grumman SYNOPTICS optical coating solutions are ideally placed to meet these high LIDT needs in the UV, Visible and NIR spectrums
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.
Organoid imaged with Andor’s desktop confocal microscope system, the BC43. Credit: Andor
As microscopes become ever more powerful, a growing band of businesses are racing to make the latest technologies more accessible and more affordable, reports Rebecca Pool
Illustration of a three-dimensional crystal with various types of confining centres. (a) Crystal with four confining centres, each trapping waves (yellow) in all three dimensions simultaneously. (b) Crystal with a linear confining centre where waves can propagate in one dimension, analogous to an optical fibre. (c) Crystal with a planar confining centre where waves can propagate in two dimensions, analogous to a 2D electron gas. (Image: Vos et al.)
Newly discovered fundamental rules have been embedded into software to dramatically optimise the design of photonic integrated circuits
