A novel laser technology, consisting of a quantum cascade laser built on silicon, eliminates the need for an external light source for mid-infrared (MIR) silicon photonic devices or photonic circuits. This advance may have multiple applications that range from chemical bond spectroscopy and gas sensing to astronomy and free-space communications. By directly bonding an III-V layer on top of a silicon wafer and then using the III-V layers to generate gain for the laser, researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, were able to integrate a multiple quantum well laser on...Read full articleRelated content from Photonics MediaARTICLESTerahertz Heterodyne Detection with Graphene Could Power Space TelescopesResearchers at Chalmers University of Technology have demonstrated a terahertz (THz) detector made from graphene for use in next-generation astronomy detectors. A near zero-electron scenario, called...EuroPhotonics Winter 2019 IssueCompact IR Spectrometer Fits on a ChipIn an advance for smartphone spectroscopy, researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a chip about 2 cm2 in size that can be used with a smartphone to analyze infrared (IR) light in the same way a...Photonics Spectra December 2019 IssueUltrablack Coating Is 10× Darker Than Other Very Black MaterialsMIT engineers have developed a material they say is 10× blacker than any ultrablack material that has previously been reported. The material is made from vertically aligned carbon nanotubes...Photonics Spectra November 2019 IssueQuantum Entanglement Demonstrated Aboard Orbiting CubeSatAn international research team led by the National University of Singapore (NUS) has generated and detected quantum entanglement onboard a CubeSat nanosatellite weighing less than 2.6 kg and orbiting...Photonics Spectra September 2020 IssuePRODUCTSSWIR CameraThe NIRvana HS from Teledyne Princeton Instruments is a SWIR camera that uses the advantages of the second NIR window (NIR-II) window to meet the needs of the scientific, industrial, and medical...BioPhotonics May/Jun 2020 IssueRuggedized PEMs for Remote SensingHinds Instruments manufactures ruggedized Photoelastic Modulators (PEMs) for use in remote sensing applications. With a Technology Readiness Level rating of TRL8, Hinds’ PEMs can be used either...Promoted Content March 2020 IssueOptic Design SoftwareOpticStudio 19.8 software from Zemax Inc. includes high-yield optimization, a capability that enables engineers to select best as-built performance for higher manufacturing yields at a reduced cost....Photonics Spectra January 2020 IssueCMOS Astronomy CameraCOSMOS™ large-format, back side-illuminated CMOS cameras from Teledyne Imaging is optimized for astronomy use. With LACera™ image sensor technology, COSMOS delivers deep-cooled,...Photonics.com 3/31/2021PHOTONICS HANDBOOK ARTICLESNano-Optics Technology: Optical Alchemy: Transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary optics holds the key to progress.Optics today needs alchemy, and the forces that motivate microchip technology are a key reason why. Today, light can transmit and process digital information as well as electricity can — in...Photonics HandbookCommon Infrared Optical Materials and Coatings: A Guide to Properties, Performance, and Applications: The purpose of this guide is to identify the most common infrared-transmitting materials, pointing out key properties and their typical manufacturing and optical coating options. The information provided within this article is for reference purposes only.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’...Photonics HandbookAdaptive Optics: Taming Atmospheric Turbulence: For more than three centuries, the Earth’s atmosphere has frustrated astronomers. The layer of gases that we breathe also distorts the images formed by telescopes. This means that conventional telescopes of more than a few centimeters in diameter cannot reach the resolution limit set by their optics.To Isaac Newton the problem was clear, and in 1704 he realized the effects of atmospheric turbulence on image formation. Just as heat waves shimmering above a hot patch of ground can distort our...Photonics HandbookPositioning System Performance: Understanding the Rules: To make the right decisions and to ensure satisfactory performance in a positioning system, it is necessary to first have a grasp of performance parameters and an understanding of their definitions.Abbe Error — Linear off-axis errors introduced by angular deviations coupled to a moment arm at the point of interest on stage mounted devices (θ in Figure 1). The effect of Abbe error...Photonics HandbookWHITEPAPERSHigh Performance SWIR Imaging CamerasSilicon based area detectors (e.g. CCDs or CMOS) are widely used in high-performance imaging applications, detecting wavelengths from soft x-ray through to near infrared (NIR). Typically, the quantum...Photonics.com 7/21/2020Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions: Are you dreaming big enough?Custom positioning solutions provide more leeway for innovation, and at far less cost, than many customers realize. Irrespective of whether the goal is a one-off solution or multiple units for a...Photonics.com 2/25/2020Extreme Metrology: Big Science Requires a Nano-perspectiveExtreme metrology represents the cutting edge in technological demand from the material researchers, astronomers, and other physicists whose work demands nearly unattainable precision. Understanding...Photonics.com 8/19/2020PDH Technique with Moku:Lab’s Laser Lock Box — An FPGA-based all-in-one Solution for Laser Frequency LockingThe Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) technique was first introduced by R.V. Pound, Ronald Drever, and John L. Hall in 1983. It is a widely used method to match the emitting optical frequency of a laser to a...Photonics.com 11/10/2020WEBINARSSelecting the Right Camera for Your ApplicationJoin us for a FREE webinar! Selecting the right camera for your next project can be a daunting challenge. There are now thousands of different cameras made by numerous companies worldwide. What...Photonics.com 4/7/2016Principles and Applications of Light and Color MeasurementThe properties of light that stimulate the eye and build our visual perception also guide the design of illuminated devices. Thanks to well-established scientific methods, we can quantify the human...Photonics.com 8/19/2020Optimize the Signal Acquisition for Optics and Photonics MeasurementsOptical measurements are ideally suited to study the smallest changes in a parameter or a signal of importance to a physical system. This is the case for the minuscule length changes tracked by...Photonics.com 6/23/2020Protective Coatings Extend Optics LifetimesPlease download the above “associated file” for a pdf copy of this webinar. From military airborne applications to harsh industrial uses, optics can be subjected to considerable...Photonics.com 10/10/2018PHOTONICS DICTIONARY TERMSnadirIn a remote sensing system, nadir refers to the point on the ground located vertically below the center of the system. In astronomy, the nadir is the vertical direction that points towards the force...EDU.photonics.com 3/5/2018azimuth angle1. In astronomy, the angle measured clockwise (eastward) in a horizontal plane, usually from north (true north, Y-north, grid north or magnetic north). 2. With relation to the plane-polarized light...EDU.photonics.com 9/8/2009radio astronomyThe detection and analysis of naturally formed extraterrestrial electromagnetic radiation within the radio frequency range of the spectrum.EDU.photonics.com 9/8/2009pencil beamIn astronomy, the main lobe of an antenna pattern that has a small angular extent in two mutually perpendicular directions. Invisible in space, it would resemble a searchlight beam.EDU.photonics.com 9/8/2009MEDIARobot Touch - LIGHT MATTERS 10.07.2015For all their precision of movement, we can't always count on robots to handle objects with care. But fiber optic sensors could give machines a more human sense of touch. See how – this month on...Photonics.com 10/7/2015PHOTONICS BUYERS' GUIDE CATEGORIESAstronomical MirrorsAn astronomical mirror is generally a mirror used instead of lenses in astronomical and space applications. It is not limited in size, does not absorb UV or IR radiation, and is usually made aspheric...Astronomical TelescopesAn astronomical telescope is an instrument used to observe celestial bodies. Larger astronomical telescopes use mirrors instead of refracting lenses.Astronomical OpticsOptical MountsCOMPANIESLaCroix 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' GuideDiffraction LimitedDiffraction Limited is known for global leadership in Scientific Imaging Solutions. For 27 years, people like you in science, industry, biology, pharmacology, physics, engineering, and astronomy...Photonics Buyers' GuideAndor TechnologyWe are global leaders in the development and manufacture of high performance scientific digital cameras for academic, industrial and government applications. Through continuous dialogue with our...Photonics Buyers' GuideChroma Technology Corp.Chroma Technology manufactures high performance optical interference filters using sputtering and ion beam coating technologies. We specialize in precise spectral control, and can provide filters...Photonics Buyers' Guide