Photonics Dictionary

A device that uses a piezoelectric crystal to convert ultrasonic sound waves, transmitted through a subject, into a voltage that modulates the electron beam of a cathode-ray tube.

The optical diffraction spectra formed, or the method that produces them, when a light beam is transmitted through a longitudinal sound field.

Ultraviolet (UV) fiber optics refers to optical fibers that are designed and optimized for the transmission of ultraviolet light, which is electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than...

Also known as UV-VIS spectrometer, a device that measures the absorbance, reflectance or transmittance of light in the ultraviolet or visible wavelengths absorbed, reflected or transmitted. Commonly...

With respect to a television system, a pulse transmitted at the end of each field to break off the cathode-ray beam as it begins the next field.

A camera that permits adjustments in the perspective of an image; this is accomplished by the camera design, which permits tilt, swing, rise or fall of the image transmitted. Also known as a...

A vortex phase plate is an optical device designed to impart a phase singularity, commonly referred to as a vortex or phase vortex, onto a light beam. This singularity results in a phase profile...

Electromagnetic energy is transmitted in the form of a sinusoidal wave. The wavelength is the physical distance covered by one cycle of this wave; it is inversely proportional to frequency.

A spectrograph in which the flux density transmitted through the entrance aperture is regulated by an optical wedge or similar device.

The series of processes used to identify and evaluate crystal structure by using crystalline solids to diffract x-rays. In the Laue method, radiation of a wide range of wavelengths is transmitted by...

A polyethylene grating that transmits the long wavelengths and diffracts shorter wavelengths in controlled directions.

A polycrystalline material that transmits in the infrared; it is used as a phosphor in x-ray and television screens.

An infrared transmitting material used in the production of fluoride glasses for optical fibers.