Aspheres for High-Power Optical Systems Demand for higher-power lasers and more efficient light collection systems is driving downstream demand for larger optics. Larger optics allow broader distribution of a laser’s energy density, for example, to minimize the risk of damage to optical coatings. For light collection systems, the increased surface area of larger optics allows more light to be gathered. In these scenarios and numerous others, the performance of the optical system can be increased by leveraging aspheric rather than spherical lenses. In the past, optical designers may have had reservations about using aspheric lenses with diameters exceeding 100mm because they were more difficult to make and measure at that size. Recent advancements, however, have supported commercial aspheres as to be large as 200mm in diameter. Edmund Scientific’s Pim Messelink and Shawn Scarfo describe this shift toward bigger optical components and the unique considerations that designers and manufacturers must be kept in mind when developing large aspheres. Key Technologies: optics, large optics, aspheres, CNC optical fabrication machines, Laser optical coatings, high-power industrial lasers Sputter-Coated Interference Filters Sputter-coated thin-film interference filters deliver exemplary performance in instrumentation for fluorescence microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. But these filters can also enhance imaging system performance in remote sensing and industrial automation applications. Wavelength filters designed for bands ranging from the UV to the SWIR can boost image contrast to allow the faster collection of greater detail and help lower overall system expense. This article will discuss how magnetron sputtering techniques are enabling customized thin-film interference filters that have superior durability and spectral precision to optimize illumination for maximum image and signal quality. Atkinson will further explain how these enhanced filters improve LiDAR and machine vision applications. Key Technologies: optical filters, imaging, machine vision, lidar, and possibly spectroscopy Gratings for Spectroscopy Because diffraction gratings separate light into its spectral components, they are an essential component of optical spectrometers, hyperspectral imagers, OCT systems, and other instruments. Advances in the design and manufacture of these gratings promise higher efficiency in optical throughput and other benefits. But the demands of individual applications continue to determine grating selection. Hank Hogan talks to players along the spectroscopy value chain to bring readers up to speed on grating fundamentals, advancements, and important trends. Key Technologies: gratings, spectroscopy Diffractive Optics Making use of optical diffraction to obtain a desired pattern of light is the working principle behind beam splitters, spatial light modulators (SLMs) and many other optical elements. EPIC's Jeremy Picot-Clemente will discuss how diffractive optics are increasing value in multiple end-markets and applications, including 3D sensing, consumer electronics, AR/VR displays, automotive, robotics and IoT. Key Technologies: beamsplitters, spatial light modulators, optical elements Get Pricing hbspt.forms.create({ region: "na1", portalId: "4478512", formId: "a7c44d89-3d22-4bc6-99af-2a80699d39dd" });