Optics

The laserfocusworld.com Optics channel features articles and other content that discuss precision optical components, systems, and applications.

Highlights

FIGURE 1. Cooling laser diode in a TOSA package.
Software & Accessories

Optical transceivers can beat the heat in the era of high-speed data centers

Jan. 16, 2025
Optical transceivers designed for longer ranges require precise temperature control to maintain laser stability and performance—and thermoelectric coolers provide a solution.
(Image credit: Xuchen Wang)
FIGURE 1. A time-varying resonant metasurface: The meta-atom is described by time-modulated surface capacitance and a constant surface inductance. A red arrow depicts a surface eigenmode with amplitude growing in time because its wavenumber is within the metasurface’s momentum bandgap.
Optics

Photonic time crystals reimagined

Jan. 9, 2025
By expanding the momentum bandgap of photonic time crystals via resonant structures, researchers make a crucial advance toward practical photonic time crystals at optical frequencies...
Rivada's Outernet: an independent, fully meshed network via laser links.
Executive Forum

New space race: Photonics is revolutionizing satellite networks

A new space race is being driven by unprecedented advancements in photonic technologies, which is revolutionizing satellite networks and redefining global communication infrastructure...
(Image credit: Andreas Mischok)
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Optics

Thin-film polariton filters for better displays, sensors, and optical imaging?

Jan. 6, 2025
By tapping into the quantum mechanical principle of strong light-matter coupling, researchers manage to outmaneuver the problem of angular dependence within optical systems.
(Image credit: DELO)
FIGURE 1. Black epoxy coatings can have an absorption factor exceeding OD1/µm (left), which leads to excellent light blocking properties over a broad spectral range within the thinnest coating layers (right).
Optics

Screen-printable black epoxy coatings offer a balanced solution for versatile and cost-effective optical systems

Dec. 23, 2024
Black epoxy coatings enable designers to achieve high optical performance within compact, durable systems, which makes them suitable for optical technologies ranging from scientific...

Recommended

(Image credit: AmeriCOM/DPOC)
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Optics

Meet AmeriCOM’s Defense Precision Optics Consortium

Dec. 18, 2024
The Defense Precision Optics Consortium, the research and manufacturing arm of the American Center for Optics Manufacturing (AmeriCOM), is open for business and accepting members...
(Image credit: Lasnix)
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Optics

Neutral-density attenuator works with laser beams up to 100 W

Nov. 23, 2024
The Model 801 neutral-density attenuator features four attenuation steps up to 3 OD.
(Image credit: Optical Surfaces)
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Optics

Dichroic beamsplitters have use in astronomical research

Nov. 17, 2024
Dichroic beamsplitters are manufactured to a surface accuracy of λ/20 p-v at 633 nm.
(Image credit: SPIE)
2025 SPIE Prism Award finalists and award recipients will be honored during a January 29th gala evening at SPIE Photonics West.
Executive Forum

SPIE names 2025 Prism Award finalists

Rapidly developing technology areas such as quantum, sensors, imaging, and biomedical showcase the range and variety of this year's entries and finalists.
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Executive Forum

AI infrastructure dominates October venture funding

Nov. 8, 2024
Notable deals were also seen in quantum computing and LiDAR.