Optics / Photonics 101

What is a Wavenumber?

Wavenumber is defined as the number of complete wave cycles per unit length of a linear space. It can also be referred to as the spatial frequency of the waves represented in radians per unit distance, or cycles per unit distance.

16 Sep 2014

What is a Prism?

A prism is a transparent geometric optical object with a minimum of two polished plane faces inclined relative to each other, from which light is reflected or through which light is refracted.

12 Sep 2014

What is a Periscope?

A periscope can be defined as an optical instrument that allows the viewing of objects that are not in the direct life of vision. Periscopes prove to be of great help to submariners to have a view of the outside view.

11 Sep 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 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

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