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, and electronic component comprising an efficiency measuring system is a potential source of error. Environmental factors may also contribute to the overall measurement uncertainty.

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 can be used in spectrometers, though grating-based dispersing instruments offer a number of advantages so few commercially available instruments use prisms.

It is particularly challenging to measure a low-average-power pulsed light source, such as an LED or a low-power laser diode, especially when the electrical designers do not know the detailed optical characteristics of the light source.

Complete motion-control systems are now available that are readily programmable for multiple applications of positioning equipment.

Understanding what's behind a specification, the measurement and the analysis, is critical to obtaining consistent motion-control performance.

Optomechanical mounts may seem like insignificant design elements, but they can make or break a photonic application.

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 when setting up modern optoelectronic systems.

A common source of instability within a light beam path is vibration. Vibration control systems that include, typically, vibration isolators and optical tables, are intended to minimize the impact of environmental vibration.

Research using properly measured solar reference cells can be transferred to new technologies for full-scale modules.

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 waveguide.

A broadband amplified-spontaneous-emission fiber source and programmable spectral processor combine to enable wavelength-multiplexed fiber sensing with great flexibility.

Photolithography and the semiconductor industry are facing a critical juncture. The 32 nm node is only a few years away, and next-generation methods for patterning the even-smaller, sub-30-nanometer-scale dimensions on silicon wafers at the node beyond that are unproved.

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

Tunable diode lasers are increasing their market penetration via rapid evolution with a new generation of products every year or so.

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 UHV chambers.

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