Photonics Dictionary: P

Description of an optical system in which all the elements are aligned on the same axis.

In optics and photolithography, a phase mask refers to a device that modifies the phase of light waves passing through it. The phase mask is used to control the spatial distribution of the light's...

A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is a compact and integrated device that incorporates multiple photonic components and functions on a single chip, similar to the way electronic integrated circuits...

A combination of a polarizer and an analyzer that is used to detect birefringence or rotation of the plane of polarization of materials placed between them. Useful for the determination of stress...

A plastic used in molded optical components. Styrene elements can be combined with acrylic elements to produce achromatic lenses.

A prism is a geometric optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. It is typically a solid, transparent object with at least two flat surfaces that are inclined relative to each...

The removal of a sharp edge on an optical element by grinding, to prevent accidental chipping of that edge during subsequent handling.