Optical design software firm Lambda Research Corp. has partnered with Luxexcel Group BV of the Netherlands to produce customized 3-D-printed plastic optics. Lambda’s TracePro software allows designers to virtually prototype optics by building textured surfaces. Computer-generated...Read full articleRelated content from Photonics MediaARTICLESJenoptik Lenses to Provide First Images from Mars 2020 Rover MissionJenoptik’s flight lenses designed for the Mars Rover 2020 mission have been delivered to NASA and will provide the first images that will be sent back to earth in February 2021. The...Photonics Spectra October 2019 IssueUnited Lens Company Undergoing $15M RenovationUnited Lens Company (ULC) is undergoing a two-year, $15 million renovation project to modernize its 200,000-sq-ft production facility, which will include a new system utility building. ...Photonics Spectra August 2019 IssueWatch Photonics Media Webinars on DemandTake our webinars with you wherever you go. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can listen and learn anywhere, anytime. It’s an option that’s available to you when you’re...Photonics.com 5/14/2018FISBA Names Christian Zellweger CTO and Head of R&DFISBA AG has installed Christian Zellweger as its new chief technology officer and head of research and development. He replaces Martin Forrer, who is now the company’s senior vice president of...Photonics.com 3/14/2019PRODUCTSOptics and Illumination SoftwareTracePro combines a graphical user interface with solid modeling, Monte Carlo ray tracing, analysis features, CAD import/export, optimization methods, and a complete and robust macro language to...Promoted Content April 2019 IssueOptomechanical SoftwareThe TracePro 7.8.3 optomechanical software from Lambda Research Corp. enhances optical analysis and streamline the prototype-to-manufacturing process by combining an intuitive 3D CAD interface,...Photonics Spectra March 2018 IssueModel 228 UV LensThe Model 228 UV lens from Resolve Optics is a full-featured high-performance UV lens designed for forensic and fingerprinting, research, and industrial applications. The device’s waveband is...Vision Spectra Summer 2019 IssueFocus Tracking Optical Zoom LensesFocus Tracking Optical Zoom Lenses from Resolve Optics Inc. maintain sharp focus throughout the zoom range of the lens. The mechanical design allows for use in environments subject to...Photonics.com 8/15/2019PHOTONICS HANDBOOK ARTICLESAspheric Lenses: Design Considerations: This first of two articles will cover design and manufacturing options for aspheres; the second will include more detail on manufacturing and testing processes. These articles will provide the tools optics designers need to tailor their designs to the appropriate manufacturing process and to optimize the cost of component fabrication.Aspheric surfaces are powerful tools that combine the optical corrections of multiple lenses into a single element (Figure 1) and affect performance in ways that spherical optics cannot. For example,...Photonics HandbookFlat Optics: Considerations When Buying: To simplify the process when purchasing flat optics, we will discuss the top six factors from a manufacturer’s perspective, all of which affect the three major areas of the purchasing decision: quality, delivery and cost.Flat optics generally perform three main functions: They transmit light (windows), reflect light (mirrors) and fold light (prisms). While most optical manufacturers make spherical and flat optics, a...Photonics HandbookNano-Optics: New Rules for Optical Components: Operating in the nano-realm offers designers a host of new opportunities. Understanding what to expect in this miniature world is key to successful nano-optic component design.When physical structures get very small — on the order of molecular or atomic sizes with one or more dimensions on the nanoscale — their behavior and interactions with energy, including...Photonics HandbookPolygonal Laser Scanners: Fitting the Elements to the Task: Polygonal laser scanning is the technology of choice in a variety of applications. It can be used to write information as in laser marking and printing, direct-to-plate imaging, film recording and laser projection; or as a reader for bar code scanning, densitometry, web inspection and agricultural inspection.Reading and writing systems for polygonal scanners differ in the use of the scanner. However, many performance characteristics are similar for both. In writing applications, a light source, usually a...Photonics HandbookWHITEPAPERSReplacing Hard to Source and Obsolete Optical ComponentsPeriodically organisations are faced with replacing hard to source or obsolete optical components within their camera, sensor, or instrument systems. It is at this critical point that you have to...Photonics.com 5/24/2019Meet Your Augmented and Virtual Reality Challenges Head-On: Design Your Next System with 2D-Q Freeforms in CODE VThe most challenging optical designs today need precise non-spherical surface shapes. A new surface formulation specified by G.W. Forbes describes a “freeform” surface with orthogonal polynomial...Photonics.com 8/20/2018Key Considerations when Designing and Implementing an Outdoor-Ready Smart Imaging SystemThe key to a successful all-in-one imaging system is the use of embedded systems – especially when it comes to designing a custom proprietary system. This white paper walks you through key elements...Photonics.com 1/26/2018Radiation Resistant LensesDrawing upon approaching 30 years experience — Resolve Optics has built a strong reputation for specialist lens design and manufacture of smaller production quantities of radiation resistant...Photonics.com 5/24/2019WEBINARSLearn Efficient Luminaire Design Using Virtual PrototypingLearn how to design luminaires with desired output performance in less time using virtual prototyping. In this webinar, you will learn how to design better and more efficient luminaires with...Photonics.com 10/12/2017Learn Efficient Light Pipe Design Using Virtual PrototypingLearn how to design more efficient light pipes, with desired output performance in less time, using virtual prototyping. In this webinar, attendees will learn how to design better, more...Photonics.com 9/19/2017High-End Asphere Design for ManufacturabilityIn this webinar, Edmund Optics’ asphere experts will discuss the benefits of using aspheres in optical system design and the factors to take into account during the design process. You will...Photonics.com 8/28/2019Laser Light Sources for Automotive and Specialty Lighting ApplicationsA new generation of visible laser light sources is being developed to enable advanced optical control through the use of miniature optics and reflectors, high-efficiency fiber optic transport, and...Photonics.com 9/25/2018PHOTONICS DICTIONARY TERMSdioptricsThe branch of optics that deals with the study of the refraction of light, particularly by the transmitting medium of the eye, and by lenses.EDU.photonics.com 9/8/2009electron opticsThe control of free electron movement through the use of electrical or magnetic fields, and use of this electron movement in research investigation of electronic diffraction phenomena, directly...EDU.photonics.com 9/8/2009cleaning equipmentIn optics, degreasers or ultrasonic arrangements used for removing pitch, cement or polishing material from lenses during manufacture. It also may refer to manual cleaning devices used immediately...EDU.photonics.com 9/8/2009radial gradientIn gradient index optics, a gradient profile in which the index varies in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Radial gradient lenses can focus light even when the lens surfaces are flat,...EDU.photonics.com 9/8/2009MEDIAPhotonics on the Showroom Floor and in the Lab - LIGHT MATTERS 02.2018On this month's episode of Light Matters, we take you on a brief tour of the Higgins Laboratories at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Quinsigamond Community College and WPI received a $4M grant...Photonics.com 2/21/2018Light Matters Extra: Optifab 2017 - 10.2017In this month's Light Matters Extra, we give you an in-depth look at North America's largest optical fabrication exhibition and show – Optifab 2017. 188 companies filled the showroom floor of the...Photonics.com 10/26/2017Light Matters Extra: styropyro - 02.2018In this month's Light Matters Extra, we introduce you to Drake Anthony, aka styropyro. Drake, 25, has been building his own lasers since he was 12 years old. He's got quite the following on his...Photonics.com 2/21/2018Light Matters Extra: Weird and Strange: Quantum Photonics - 03.2018In this month's Light Matters Extra, we take you to the Quantum Photonics Laboratory at MIT run by Dr. Dirk Englund. Dr. Englund's group, the Quantum Photonics Group, is made up of postdocs and...Photonics.com 3/29/2018PHOTONICS BUYERS' GUIDE CATEGORIESComputer Imaging Lenses3D Printing ServicesOptical MaterialsOptical materials are materials that, by virtue of their optical characteristics, are used in optical elements.Radiation Resistant LensesCOMPANIESA.R.W. Optical CorporationARW Optical is your reliable manufacturer of quality optics and coatings. Beamsplitters • Prototyping through volume-production quantities • High-performance and durable optical...Photonics Buyers' GuideII-VI Optical SystemsAs a vertically integrated provider, II-VI Optical Systems is uniquely positioned to meet the critical and complex design, engineering and production requirements of customers in the aerospace and...Photonics Buyers' GuideMeller Optics Inc.Meller Optics has been providing high quality optics to defense, medical, laser and industrial markets for over 50 years. Specializing in grinding and polishing of hard, durable materials such as...Photonics Buyers' GuideLaCroix Precision OpticsOptics that Defend, Build, Cure and Discover The LaCroix name is synonymous with quality precision optics. Since 1947, three generations of family leadership have placed LaCroix Precision Optics...Photonics Buyers' Guide