Optics / Photonics 101

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

What is Brewster's Angle?

Brewster’s angle or polarizing angle is defined as an angle at which an incident beam of unpolarized light is reflected after complete polarization.

1 Aug 2014

The Advantages and Applications of the Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

The Mach–Zehnder interferometer is a simple highly configurable device used for demonstrating interference by division of amplitude.

1 Aug 2014

Fresnel vs Fraunhoffer Diffraction

Diffraction is the slight bending of light as it travels around the edges of an object/slit or after passing through an opening.

1 Aug 2014

Pechan Prism: Definition and Working Principle

Pechan prisms comprise two air-spaced components, and have the ability to revert (flip horizontally) or invert (flip vertically) an image, depending upon it's orientation. It can be used in convergent, divergent and parallel light.

18 Jul 2014