Detecting Explosives at a Distance with Light

Scientists in Europe have collaborated to develop an ultracompact spectrometer design that offers large bandwidth, moderate spectral resolution, and a spectral sensitivity in the infrared (IR)...

An optical measurement method devised by a team of AMOLF researchers aims to simplify and streamline the ability to capture measurements from signals that are barely larger than the noise contained...

Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden developed a nanosensor based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy or scattering (SERS). The proof-of-concept method uses flame-sprayed silver...

Laser welding finds its place in fields such as electromobility (e-mobility), aerospace, ship and rail transport, construction, the energy sector, semiconductor, consumer electronics, medical device...

The EVG®850 NanoCleave™ from EV Group is a system that enables nanometer-precision release of bonded, deposited, or grown layers from silicon carrier substrates. The system does this by...

The HYPERION II FT-IR Laser Imaging Microscope from Bruker Corp. combines FT-IR microscopy with quantum cascade laser IR imaging for R&D purposes. The system provides all three...

Heliotis lock-in cameras address two pivotal challenges found in cameras based on conventional image sensors: constrained frame rates and insufficient dynamic range. Through Heliotis’ patented...

PVA-3-1×1-TO39-NW-90 is an uncooled IR photovoltaic detector based on InAs alloy with a spectral range of 2.3 to 3.5 μm. It does not contain mercury or cadmium and is complying with the RoHS...

Photonics Rules of Thumb Scientists and engineers tend to want to answer simple relational questions with a blackboard covered with equations, even when questioners just want a rough estimate to...

The optical materials selected for an optical system depend upon the application, the required system performance and the environment in which the system is to perform; thus the materials’...

Single-crystal sapphire has been the material of choice for defense and other applications that require extremely durable optics, but aluminum oxynitride (ALON) and magnesium aluminate (spinel) have...

What are thin-film coatings? The purpose of any optical thin-film coating is to modify the transmittance and reflectance properties of the substrate material to which they are applied. Most coatings...

DRS Daylight Solutions has launched Stretto, a family of external cavity diode lasers operating from ultraviolet wavelengths through to the infrared. Drawing its name from the intricate overlapping...

Learn how linear variable filters can be used in a compact spectrometer to provide optimum order sorting.

MKS' Newport OptoFlash delivers up toe 10 discrete channels where pre-determined wavelength detection is essential to acquiring fast sample measurements.

This white paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of different types of retroreflectors. It highlights the advantages of monolithic, hollow retroreflectors which do not suffer from chromatic...

Light can be used to understand, study, and spectroscopically characterize the many components that may exist in water. Stephanie Butron and Eric Mesa of Hamamatsu Corp. discuss the various markets...

Non-destructive, portable, and extremely discriminating in its analysis -- Raman spectroscopy has established itself as a powerful tool in the identification and quantification of chemicals in...

Optoacoustic spectroscopy, a technique originally established in the 19th century, is currently being leveraged to push boundaries in biomedical science. Research groups are making vast improvements...

Alignment time is the largest contributor to the cost of silicon photonics and optical assemblies. New industrial automation technology dramatically shortens the time required to optimally align...

Photoconductive antenna (PCA) is a semiconductor element that generates or detects high-frequency electromagnetic signals. Compact PCAs based on gallium arsenide (GaAs) or indium gallium arsenide...

An infrared light source is a device that emits light in the infrared spectrum, which lies beyond the visible spectrum of light. Infrared light has longer wavelengths than visible light and is...

Unlike the thermocouple or bolometer, the pyroelectric infrared detector is a current source with an output proportional to the rate of change of its temperature. Capable of extremely rapid response...

An InGaAs photodiode refers to a photodetector device that is constructed using a semiconductor material composed of a combination of indium (In), gallium (Ga), and arsenic (As). The term InGaAs...

Established in 1990, Applied Scientific Instrumentation is a reknown American company committed to the advancement of science. ASI products have been thoroughly tested and evaluated in numerous labs...

Candace Cobb outlines her educational journey into optics.

-Bugs Eye Camera -LED Tomatoes -Asbestos Detection This week on Light Matters: a new digital camera offers a wide-angle bug’s eye view and nearly infinite depth of field, OCT improves lens...

Ground-breaking products that enable hassle-free, high-quality research across life and physical sciences.

A CCD image sensor is a type of electronic device used to convert optical images into electronic signals. It consists of an array of light-sensitive pixels, each capable of converting photons (light)...

Established in 1985, OZ Optics is a leading worldwide supplier of fiber optic components, test equipment and sensors. OZ Optics manufactures its products in three locations, Ottawa (Canada),...

Teledyne Judson Technologies (TJT) is a global leader for IR sensors from the Visible to VLWIR spectrum. Two-dimensional FPAs (InGaAs, InSb, and MCT) and Integrated Dewar Cooler Assemblies (IDCAs)...

Andor Technology Ltd is a global developer and manufacturer of high-performance scientific cameras, microscopy systems and spectrographs for academic, government, and industrial applications. Founded...

Baumer Group is a manufacturer of sensors, encoders, measuring instruments, and components for automated image processing. Baumer combines innovative technologies and customer-oriented service into...