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The Discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background

An accidental discovery by Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias in 1964 changed the entire landscape of cosmology and established the concept of a big bang as a keystone in our understanding of how the universe came into existence.

From Pittcon 18 Aug 2014

What is Optical Density?

Optical density is a term used in the field of optical spectroscopy for describing the propagation of a wave through a material.

6 Aug 2014

What is a Folded Resonator?

A folded resonator is a type of resonator construction in which the interior optical path is bent with the help of mirrors.

6 Aug 2014

The History of the Catoptric Optical System

Catoptrics has been introduced way back in time by the ancient Greeks. There were two main ancient Greek texts that mentioned catoptrics.Catoptric systems are those optical systems that employ only mirrors for image formation.

6 Aug 2014

What is a Bandpass Filter?

Bandpass filter is a circuit or a device that allows transmission of signals at frequencies within a particular range and rejects signals at frequencies outside that range.

6 Aug 2014

What is a Focal Point?

A focal point is a common point on the principal axis where all the light rays starting from the object converge.

5 Aug 2014

What is an M Squared Value?

M2value is a parameter used to determine the beam quality of the laser beam. M2may be derived by dividing the beam parameter product (BPP) of an actual optic beam by the BPP of an ideal Gaussian beam at the same wavelength.

5 Aug 2014

How are Ballast Resistors Used in Laser Applications?

A ballast resistor is used for maintaining a constant current flowing through it, irrespective of the variations in the applied voltage or rest of the circuit. These resistors consist of a resistive element whose resistance increases with temperature.

5 Aug 2014

An Introduction to Optical Harmonics

Non-linear crystals are the materials in which dielectric polarization exhibits a non-linear response with respect to the electric field of the light.

5 Aug 2014

The Twyman Green Interferometer

The Twyman-Green interferometer is an instrument for testing optical components such as lenses and prisms. It was invented and patented by English electrical engineer Frank Twyman and English chemist Arthur Green in 1916.

4 Aug 2014