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Frequency Comb Shows Teeth

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GAITHERSBURG, Md., & KONSTANZ, Germany, Nov. 2, 2009 – The first optical frequency comb that actually looks like a comb has been built and demonstrated by scientists in the US and Germany. The “teeth” of the new frequency comb – a tool for precisely measuring different frequencies of visible light – are separated enough that, when viewed with a simple optical system (a grating and microscope), the human eye can see each of the approximately 50,000 teeth spanning the visible color spectrum from red to blue. A frequency comb with such well-separated, visibly distinct teeth will be an important tool for a wide range of applications in astronomy,...Read full article

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    Published: November 2009
    Glossary
    astronomy
    The scientific observation of celestial radiation that has reached the vicinity of Earth, and the interpretation of these observations to determine the characteristics of the extraterrestrial bodies and phenomena that have emitted the radiation.
    atomic clock
    An atomic clock is a highly precise timekeeping device that uses the vibrations or oscillations of atoms as a reference for measuring time. The most common type of atomic clock uses the vibrations of atoms, typically cesium or rubidium atoms, to define the length of a second. The principle behind atomic clocks is based on the fundamental properties of atoms, which oscillate at extremely stable and predictable frequencies. The primary concept employed in atomic clocks is the phenomenon of...
    microscope
    An instrument consisting essentially of a tube 160 mm long, with an objective lens at the distant end and an eyepiece at the near end. The objective forms a real aerial image of the object in the focal plane of the eyepiece where it is observed by the eye. The overall magnifying power is equal to the linear magnification of the objective multiplied by the magnifying power of the eyepiece. The eyepiece can be replaced by a film to photograph the primary image, or a positive or negative relay...
    optical
    Pertaining to optics and the phenomena of light.
    photonics
    The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
    remote sensing
    Remote sensing is a method of data collection and observation where information about objects, areas, or phenomena on Earth's surface is gathered from a distance, typically using sensors onboard satellites, aircraft, drones, or other platforms. This technique enables the monitoring and analysis of Earth's surface and atmosphere without direct physical contact. Remote sensing systems capture electromagnetic radiation (such as visible light, infrared, microwave, or radio waves) reflected or...
    spectrum
    See optical spectrum; visible spectrum.
    Albrecht Bartelsastronomicalastronomyatomic clockBasic SciencecamerasCommunicationscomputingfemtosecondfiber opticsFiltersGermanygratingsImagingKonstanzmicroscopeMicroscopyNews & FeaturesNISTopticaloptical frequency combOpticsoscillationphotonicsPrismspulseremote sensingResearch & TechnologyScott DiddamsspectroscopyspectrumTest & MeasurementUSvisible lightLasers

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