Photonics Spectra Preview - October 2022

UV Imaging

This article will provide a primer on the unique component design considerations for UV imaging systems and how they constrain performance in machine vision applications. The article also aims to benchmark the latest performance parameters of current systems and survey barriers to advancing system performance further.

Key Technologies: UV (CMOS) sensors, including backside-illuminated sensors. chromatic optics, calcium carbonate, and quartz imaging lenses, UV bandpass filters, UV LED illumination

3D Printed Optics

Long used to quickly produce complex prototype parts for industry, 3D printing promises something different for optics – namely the ability to produce compact or flat single optics that can do the work of several. Contributing editor Hank Hogan looks at the latest developments in optical printing materials, techniques, and applications to provide insights into what 3D printed optics can achieve today.

Key Technologies: Printing equipment: inkjet, stereolithography, two-photon polymerization using ultrafast lasers, 3D printed (e.g. flat, micro) optics, Optics for endoscopy, OCT applications

Optical Frequency Combs

Since their invention in 1999, optical frequency combs (OFCs) have revolutionized high-precision measurements in applications, such as spectroscopy, metrology, optical clocks, and recently quantum technology. This article explains the basic principles of OFCs, describes the evolution of their component and system design, and surveys their increasing applications with an eye on how current designs meet today's demands for compactness, automation, ease-of-use, and low power consumption, robustness, specialization, and integration.

Key Technologies: Optical frequency combs. Components include (mode-locked) femtosecond lasers, optical fibers

Laser Safety

Laser hazards multiply when the laser is switched on. But best practice dictates that laser safety begins before the device is powered up. Laser Safety Officer Ken Barat describes the various standards and latest advanced indicators for establishing a safe operating environment before, during, and after lasers go active.

Key Technologies: Laser safety encompasses eyewear/PPE, barriers, windows, as well as power meters, and metrology tools. It obviously also includes high-power lasers as well as laser power sources.

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