New ALD system can precisely coat complex-shaped optics
The system achieves higher deposition rates than previously possible, and could apply to the automotive lighting or VR/AR sectors
The system achieves higher deposition rates than previously possible, and could apply to the automotive lighting or VR/AR sectors
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)
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.
In this white paper, Pro-Lite’s Robert Yeo explains the science of diffuse reflectance, presents Lambert’s cosine law and explains how a diffuse reflectance material appears equally bright from all angles of view. Commercially available diffuse reflectance materials and coatings are described from Labsphere and SphereOptics, while common applications for Lambertian materials are presented, in particular in the development of LIDAR and ADAS proximity sensors.
Advances in optical polymers coupled with developments in fabrication methods have led to more optics designers choosing polymer components over glass and metal optical parts – and its no surprise why. Lower cost, faster production, and less weight are just a few of the myriad advantages that polymer-coated optics lend manufacturers.
Chalcogenides offer many advantages that legacy IR materials simply cannot match, but they do require a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating so the optic can withstand the harshest environmental conditions. However, coating chalcogenides with DLC has been notoriously challenging and plagued by adhesion problems and coating defects. Until now.
Values for Laser Induced Damage Thresholds (LIDTs) can vary.They vary batch to batch and coating house to coating house. But more worryingly, damage thresholds can vary from test house to test house. Inflated values present real expense issues to the end user when their optics damage under seemingly safe conditions.
Proposed multi-billion dollar and euro packages look set to increase uptake of leading-edge lithography, including for photonic technologies, finds Andy Extance
Benjamin Skuse asks why, after 400 years of polishing optics, the process hasn’t been automated
Mathias Bochow, GFZ Helmholtz Centre, Potsdam, is working on the Trace project to track marine plastic. Credit: Frank Schweikert, Aldebaran Marine Research & Broadcast (www.aldebaran.org/en/)
Abigail Williams speaks to scientists tracking marine plastic using satellite spectral imagery
How the Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing technique can be used to simply and quickly assess the quality of optical systems
A look at the market for spectroelectrochemistry and some of the products and solutions available
A look at the current market for Raman spectroscopy and some of the products and solutions available
Laser firms could really benefit from quantum computing, which should not just be reserved for the world's big challenges, finds Jessica Rowbury
As Ayar Labs secures investment to develop its silicon photonics technology, Robert Roe speaks to Hugo Saleh about the firm's plans
Matthew Dale asks whether quantum technologies are ready to be seen on the global stage at one of the world’s largest photonics exhibitions