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The problem of coupling light into an optical fiber is really two separate problems. In one case, we have the problem of coupling into multimode fibers, where the ray optics of the previous section can be used. In the other case, coupling into single-mode fibers, we have a fundamentally different problem. In this case, one must consider the problem of matching the mode of the incident laser light into the mode of the fiber.

Light is a transverse electromagnetic wave. The electric E and magnetic M fields are perpendicular to each other and to the propagation vector k, as shown below. Power density is given by Poynting’s vector, P, the vector product of E and H. You can easily remember the directions if you “curl” E into H with the fingers of the right hand: your thumb points in the direction of propagation.

Dust and stains on Optics can cause scattering, and impurities on the optic surface can react with incident laser light to damage optical coatings. With proper handling and cleaning of your optics, you can prevent damage and ensure their continued performance.

This glossary covers important terms related to linear translation stages.

The steps outlined in this application note can be used to stabilize a TLB-7000, TLB-6900, or TLB-6300 series tunable diode laser to a reference cavity using the Pound-Drever-Hall stabilization technique.

The function of a stage is to constrain motion to a desired direction. For a linear stage, the desired motion is along an ideal straight line. Any motion in a constrained direction will contribute to deviation from the ideal trajectory and/or position.

Albert A. Michelson won the 1907 Nobel Prize in Physics “for his optical precision instruments and the spectroscopic and metrological investigations carried out with their aid.” One of his instruments was the Michelson interferometer. The Michelson interferometer produces interference fringes by splitting a beam of monochromatic light so that one beam strikes a fixed mirror and the other a movable mirror.

This tutorial introduces opto-mechanical component design basics and will familiarize the reader with the issues that need consideration in the selection of the most commonly used tabletop components. It emphasizes practical issues, not mathematical derivations.

For continuous wave (CW) lasers the damage threshold can be calculated from the peak power and beam diameter. For example, to calculate the power density of a 50 mW Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm with a 0.8 mm beam diameter, first calculate the beam area in terms of centimeters.

We offer the widest range of off the shelf Mirror Mounts from low cost entry level to the highest performing, most stable mounts available anywhere. Use the selection guide below to find exactly what you need.

There are many common parameters one considers when selecting a detector for a particular application. These include pulsewidth, bandwidth, responsivity, spectral sensitivity, noise level, linearity, power handling, bias voltage, power consumption, to name a few. In optical communications, detector applications have evolved into two major groups that have significantly different requirements for the shape of either the temporal or frequency response.

Choosing the right positioning technology for an application is a complex task. There are numerous choices of linear stages, rotation stages and actuators and each product has its own advantages and disadvantages. The specifications of a stage are certainly important selection criteria. However, the specifications might neither be exhaustive enough nor directly applicable for each application.

This glossary covers important terms relating to our New Focus photodetectors and photoreceivers.

Each material used in the design of a linear translation stage has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The following is a summary of the properties for the most common materials used in motion mechanics.

Many of Newport's Manual Linear, Vertical, Rotation and Goniometric Positioners and Tilt Platforms have been designed to operate together so that they can easily be combined into countless cohesive multi-axis positioner assemblies.

An Optical Mirror Mount is a device used in optics research that securely holds a mirror in place while allowing for precision tip and tilt adjustment. Due to the sensitive nature of optics research, optical mirror mounts are typically mounted to an optical table to provide a high level of vibration isolation.

The Picomotor's actuator relies on the basic difference between dynamic and static friction. A graphic example of this is the “tablecloth trick,” in which a quick pull of the cloth leaves the dishes on the table (low dynamic friction), while a slow pull of the tablecloth ends up pulling the dishes off the table (high static friction and a big mess!).

Frequency-modulation spectroscopy is a powerful tool that can achieve high sensitivities with a relatively simple experimental setup. Tunable diode lasers, in particular, can make the setup even simpler because they provide a narrow, tunable output that can be easily modulated.

Common motion systems use three types of control methods. They are position control, velocity control and torque control. The majority of Newport’s motion systems use position control. This type of control moves the load from one known fixed position to another known fixed position. Feedback, or closed-loop positioning, is important for precise positioning.

Determining the surface quality of a critical component—the deviation from the intended shape whether flat, spherical, etc.—is crucial to high-precision manufacturing. Traditional methods consist of an interferometer, for example a Twyman-Green interferometer (pictured below) that compares the test optic to a reference.