Optics / Photonics 101

The Femtosecond Laser – An Introduction

Femtosecond lasers are a type of laser that discharges optical pulses in femtoseconds. Femtosecond lasers belong to a class of ultrashort pulse lasers or ultrafast lasers. Passive mode locking technologies has been employed for the generation of short pulses.

17 Mar 2008

Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) - What is LIDAR?

LIDAR, which stands for light detection and ranging, is an instrument that uses an intense laser light transmitted at an object and detecting the laser light reflected by the object.

10 Mar 2008

Binoculars - How Binoculars Work?

Binoculars can be considered as having two telescopes which are exactly the same placed next to each other and accurately pointing at the same direction. Binoculars allow the user to use both eyes when looking at distant objects.

7 Mar 2008

Magnifying Glass - What is a Magnifying Glass?

Magnifying glass is used to look at tiny objects or fine print and they are available in various forms.

3 Mar 2008

Optical Tweezers - An Introduction to Optical Tweezers

Light is used by optical tweezers to control microscopic objects the size of a single atom. A focused laser beam generates radiation pressure which is capable of trapping small particles.

29 Feb 2008

Photonic Integrated Circuit - What is a Photonic Integrated Circuit?

A photonic integrated circuit or commonly abbreviated to as PIC is in theory very similar to an electronic integrated circuit.

25 Feb 2008

What is Infrared Light?

Infrared light lies between the visible and microwave segment of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared light has a range of wavelengths that range from red light to violet.

24 Feb 2008

Hybrid Solar Lighting - What is Hybrid Solar Lighting and Using Optical Fiber to Distribute Sunlight

Hybrid solar lighting technology is a technology that is capable of collecting sunlight and distributing the collected sunlight into the interior of a building using optical fibers. Hybrid solar technology provides a new and powerful means to reduce the energy consumed and at the same time delivering additional benefits related with natural lighting in homes and in buildings.

22 Feb 2008