Photonics Dictionary

Technique using a fiber optic assembly to illuminate an opaque object and transmit an image back from it without a lens system on the distal end.

A form of lens assembly used in a projection system to maximize efficiency and assure uniform illumination of the object being projected.

A polarizing prism assembly made up of two cemented calcite halves. The prism transmits the ordinary ray without deviation, while the extraordinary ray is deviated to accomplish the polarization.

A surface-mount device (SMD) is an electronic component that is mounted directly onto the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) rather than being inserted into holes drilled in the board (as with...

A short focal length (less than five inches) positive lens used to produce a magnified image of the object being viewed. While a single element will function, an achromat or multielement assembly...

In a microscope, the optical assembly that focuses light on the specimen and into the objective.

A lens assembly made up of three lens elements that may or may not be cemented.

A lens assembly containing several movable elements to permit changing of the effective focal length (EFL). Unlike a zoom lens, a variable-focus lens may require refocusing with each change of EFL....