Technical Articles

While simple in principle, measuring the efficiency of diffraction gratings is a complex process requiring precise methods to achieve acceptable results. Every optical, mechanical, …

A grating disperses light incident on it. Dispersion is the phenomenon by which a spectrum of light is separated in space by wavelength. Prisms also disperse light by wavelength and …

The basic function of a photovoltaic cell is to convert input sunlight energy expressed in irradiance into output usable electric energy.

Vibration site surveys can tell you a lot about how to specify equipment for vibration isolation in your laboratory.

Setting up an optical laboratory begins with specifying the optical table, a task more complex than it sounds. Understand your requirements before you place an order.

Advances in photonic-crystal-fiber technology promise to yield not only better ways to guide light, but more efficient fiber lasers as well.

With vibration-isolated platforms, questions of load distribution and static stability of pneumatic support systems are not always properly understood. This can create difficulties …

The differences among the three standards used for evaluating solar cell performance might create confusion during testing.

Device sensitivity to temperature, current, and voltage must be accounted for when designing laser diode test systems.

One of the most difficult assembly tasks ever introduced into commercial manufacturing is the sub-micron alignment and attachment of a fiber-optic to a laser diode or other optical …

Recognizing and avoiding common errors will better prepare users of precision motion control devices to make purchasing decisions and may substantially improve application results.

As the number of applications for ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) environments increases, motion systems must be modified to manipulate optics, particle beams, and measurement devices inside …

As laser diodes continue their drive to the head of the class, instrumentation that provides test and measurement support is not far behind.

Rapid prototyping is a fabrication technique that uses additive layer-by-layer fabrication to create three-dimensional structures from devices ranging in scale from MEMS devices to …

Optical tables and vibration isolation supports have become the de-facto standard for providing a stable environment for complex laser systems and their applications.

What exactly is a freeform, and what makes it so useful? A freeform is a surface that lacks rotational and translational symmetry. This puts them in sharp contrast to most traditional …

Hybrid bonding promises to substantially advance semiconductor packaging by enabling smaller, denser assemblies that offer higher performance and improved reliability. Hybrid bonding …

Experimental results from a scanning laser doppler vibrometer eludicate the effects of active vibration damping.

Computer-controlled motorized mirror mounts enable rapid realignment of beam-steering optics between discharges at Sandia National Labs’ Z machine.

Tougher laser diode requirements for WDM systems have led to a new generation of automated production test equipment.