Optics / Photonics 101

Chandra X-ray Observatory - Space Based Telescope Exploring The Invisible Universe

To the human eye, space appears serene and void. It is neither. To the “eye” of an X-ray telescope, the universe is totally different - a violent, vibrant, and ever-changing place.

27 Jan 2008

CCD Sensors - A Basic Look at How The Fundamental Key to Modern Digital Imaging Works

Without CCD detectors our modern lives would not have the current influx of ubiquitous video cameras, digital cameras, and camera telephones. CCD detectors or sensors are the light sensitive detectors that capture the image in the majority of these cameras.

27 Jan 2008

Optical Coherence Tomography - An Introduction to Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical Coherence tomography has been used for a number of applications such as biomedical and materials research for the past decade.

16 Jan 2008

What is Adaptive Optics?

Adaptive Optics can be defined as the optical systems that adapt to rectify for optical effects which is presented by the medium between the object and its image.

9 Jan 2008

Nano-Optics and Nano-Photonics - How Nanotechnology is Revolutionizing Optics and Photonics

With a growing demand for faster, tinier, and more extremely integrated optical and electronic devices or instruments. There are also demands for smaller and exceptionally sensitive detectors for environmental and biomedical applications. Studying the many encouraging optical properties of nanostructures is an emerging field known as nano-optics and nano-photonics.

29 Dec 2007

Optical Filters – What is an Optical Filter and What Does it Do?

Filters are manufactured into a number of shapes and sizes. Filters can be used to pass or eliminate bands of wavelength ranging from hundreds of nanometers in size down to a single wavelength.

26 Dec 2007

White Balance - The Definition of White Balance

White balance is a term referred to as the process of eliminating unrealistic color casts.

23 Dec 2007

Energy-Efficient Lighting – Using Less Energy to Produce the Same Brightness as Incandescent Lighting

Using electricity to generate lighting is a major consumer of energy. A massive amount of energy can be saved by using energy-efficient equipment. Currently, commercially available energy-efficient lighting can save up to 75 percent the energy used to light homes.

22 Dec 2007

What is Lens Flare and the Mechanisms of Lens Flare

Lens flare is one of those optical phenomena which can ruin an otherwise perfect photograph, and all too often you don'tknow it until after the fact when you get your photos back from processing. Lens flare can show up as streaks, geometrically shaped spots, or an overall haze which reduces contrast and saturation and masks subject detail.

15 Dec 2007