Miniature laser subassembly
A miniature optical subassembly (OSA) from NEC has been designed specifically for use in SSF and SFP transceiver modules. The OSA combines a 3.8-mm diameter, 1310-nm Fabry-Perot laser with an industry-standard LC connector sleeve. The integrated design eliminates optical alignment steps and a unique fiber stub design prevents back reflection. Models are available for OC-3, OC-12 and OC-48 transmission.
California Eastern Labs, Santa Clara, CA
Liquid-crystal polarimeter
A compact liquid-crystal (LC) polarimeter uses proprietary VersaLight technology to measure the state and degree of polarization on an incident beam with no moving parts. Both free space and optical fiber versions are available, with accuracy to 1%, covering the entire spectrum from VIS to NIR (400 to 1100 nm) and into the IR (1100 to 2200 nm).
Meadowlark Optics, Frederick, CO
Casting process
Graphicast's ZA-12 casting process is intended for the manufacture of high-precision flat frames and bases used in medical devices and other electromechanical/electro-optic equipment. The Graphicast process, using permanent graphite molds to produce parts from ZA-12 (a zinc-aluminum alloy), is an economical alternative to die casting, investment casting, sand casting, and CNC machining.
Graphicast, Jaffrey, NH
Monochromatic LED lights
The new monochromatic Hex product line of LED modules are available in red, green, blue, and amber. The platform utilizes chip-on-board technology and a metal core substrate contains 40 high-brightness LEDs. Using a proprietary substrate coating, light extraction is optimized and degradation minimized, for durability in harsh environments.
NorLux,
Carol Stream, IL
Illuminator for microscopy
The new 3900-ROLS illuminator is designed for microscope systems with integrated digital-imaging technologies. The illuminator integrates the company's proprietary Light-Lock technology with the Olympus U-LH100L-3 lamp housing for stable light intensity and spectral output.
Illumination Technologies,
East Syracuse, NY
Linear InGaAs array
The ISC0007-GS1024 is a 1024 x 1 linear InGaAs photodetector array for telecommunication and NIR spectroscopy applications. Incorporating proprietary μBias and Pixelect technologies to allow elimination of temperature stabilization without performance degradation, the device doubles the resolution of comparable devices. The array is designed to enable DWDM subsystem manufacturers to combine multiple optical-quality measurements into a single instrument.
Indigo Systems, Santa Barbara, CA
UV curable epoxies
The EMCAST 1900 series of UV light and thermally curable conformal coating and sealant materials is designed to coat and seal optical, electrical, and microelectronic devices. The epoxies include viscosities from 200 to 12,000 cps, refractive-index values from 1.49 to 1.55, and glass-transition temperatures to 150°C. The formulations exhibit low shrinkage upon cure and minimal outgassing.
Electronic Materials,
Breckenridge, CO
Large-area LED arrays
A new line of high-density LED arrays combines chip-on-board technology with proprietary manufacturing and packaging techniques to provide bright, uniform illumination in the 380- to 900-nm wavelength range. The arrays can be assembled in geometries from less than 1 cm2 to 100 cm2. Applications include adhesive curing, lens coating, machine vision, illumination, fluorescence, and photodynamic therapy.
Exfo Photonic Solutions,
Mississauga, Ont., Canada
Thermal analysis software
ThermaCAM Researcher 2001 is real-time thermal analysis software that digitally stores, retrieves, and analyzes live infrared images directly from ThermaCAM SC Series IR cameras. This Windows-based software package provides analysis and measuring tools for capturing, recording, and studying high-speed thermal events.
FLIR Systems Boston,
North Billerica, MA
Software and hardware
The new SPEX SpectrAcq electronics upgrade for SPEX spectrofluorometers replaces the entire TCM module. DataMax software includes GRANS, a data processing and display package. It offers photon-counting signal processing, wavelength scanning in excitation, emission, synchronous, and 3-D modes, as well as full control of polarizers and shutters.
Jobin Yvon, Edison, NJ
Dual power-meter module
The DPM-79810 dual power-meter module is designed for the FOS-7900B multichannel fiberoptic test system. The module measures up to 1 W of optical power and can measure either absolute power or a synchronized difference in power between two channels. The module incorporates a proprietary integrating sphere design.
ILX Lightwave, Bozeman, MT
Optical micrometer
The new LS-7000 laser-scanning micrometer uses a high-intensity GaN LED light source and a high-speed linear CCD rather than a conventional motor or rotating prism mechanism. The sampling rate of 2400 samples/s and repeatability of 0.15 μm are twice that of a conventional system, with a resolution of 0.01 μm. A CMOS camera is mounted in the receiver head. The unit is rated IP-64 for operation in harsh environments.
Keyence, Woodcliff Lake, NJ
Miniature Pockels cell
The MPC 4 IM is a miniature Pockels cell designed for use in Q-switches in compact laser systems. The cell has a 4-mm aperture and is available in different versions for wavelengths from 248 to 1064 nm. The cell has a transmission rate of 98% at 1064 nm, an extinction ratio of 1:3000 (at 1064 nm with a λ/2 voltage applied), and maximum power of 500 MW/cm2.
Linos Photonics, Rockford, IL
Wavelength-locking platform
The ControlFREQ wavelength-locking platform is a suite of wavelength-control optical subassemblies. The platform is designed as an internal module for tunable laser applications, which require the locking of any of up to 100 channels. The module functions across both the C- and L-bands and is a complete subassembly. Custom-engineered electronic packages are also available.
Precision Photonics Corp.,
Boulder, CO
LVDS products
New LVDS products are designed for "hot swap" applications, Fibre Channel, Gigabit Ethernet, and other IEEE-1394-based high-speed data systems. Products include surface-mount LVDS output oscillators and voltage-controlled crystal oscillators (VCXOs). They are available in 9 x 14-mm J-lead ceramic packages and 5 x 7 leadless ceramic packages.
M-tron Industries, Yankton, SD
SHG blue laser
A new second-harmonic-generation (SHG) light source blue laser has been developed for use in next-generation optical disc-recording systems. Blue lasers offer a minimized focusing spot, necessary for achieving data densities required of the new media. Measuring 0.3 cc, the laser has a power level of 30 mW and produces a wavelength of 410 nm.
Matsushita Electric Industrial, Osaka, Japan
Laser cutting system
The Domino 1530 is a six-axis laser machine tool with the flexibility of 2-D and 3-D cutting on a single machine. Precision ground ball screws drive the horizontal, linear X- and Y-axes, and their position is measured by high-resolution encoders for volumetric accuracy. The tool can process 5 x 10-ft sheets in a single setup. Available CO2 lasers range from 2500 to 4000 W.
Laserdyne Prima,
Farmington Hills, MI
Automated microscope
The Eclipse E1000/E1000M microscope systems have motorized almost all key functions to allow rapid personal setup and optimized viewing with one-touch operation. Using the new "smart card" technology to recall previously stored personal adjustments; the settings are recalled without attachment to an external computer. The E1000 is optimized for multiprobe fluorescence studies; the E1000M is designed for macro-inspection.
Nikon Instruments, Melville, NY
Bessel filters
Standard and custom Bessel filters for optical communication systems are available on alumina or aluminum nitride substrate material. Customers may specify bare substrate, connectorized hermetic package, or SMT. Cutoff frequency is from 1 to 40 GHz, and linear phase and low reflection is from dc to 3 X F3 dB. User can specify 3-, 5-, or 7-section designs.
Nanowave, Toronto, Ont., Canada
Diffuse reflectance standard
The WS-1 diffuse reflectance standard exhibits 95% reflectivity from 250 to 2000 nm. The standard is composed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and offers long-term stability, even for deep-UV applications. The WS-1 is chemically inert, with a 32-mm-diameter reflective surface. This high-grade reference is designed for colorimetry applications.
Ocean Optics, Dunedin, FL
X-ray tube
The xs|series nanofocus (nf) is a new x-ray tube capable of obtaining images down to 500 nm, small enough to sharply and clearly image microvias. Additional applications include inspection of finest-pitch solder joints and high-resolution computer tomography.
Phoenix|x-ray, Camarillo, CA
Streak camera
The Imacon 500 Streak Camera incorporates photocathode technology to provide continuous spatial recording of transient events with a time resolution ≤2 ps. Streak tubes are available over the spectral range 110 to 1550 nm. The system offers interchangeable single-shot and synchroscan modes. Applications include laser and fiberoptic communications and plasma physics.
DRS Hadland, Hertfordshire, England
Reference flats
High-precision measurement flats are offered in standard sizes from 105 to 600 mm. Reference flats of up to 1-mm diameter are available. Designed for precision alignment applications in optics and engineering, the flats are made from materials, including glass, zerodur, and silica. A surface accuracy of λ/100 and surface roughness of 1 nm rms are achievable.
Optical Surfaces, Surrey, England
Fiberoptic epoxy
Tra-Bond F253 is a low-viscosity, two-part, fiberoptic epoxy for high-temperature applications. The epoxy undergoes a color change to indicate the general cure status. It develops bonds with a range of fiberoptic and optical materials, including most metals, glass, and many plastics. It is moisture- and chemical-resistant and offers minimal outgassing.
Tra-Con, Bedford, MA
Large sapphire windows
Sapphire windows up to 195 mm in diameter are now being offered. As sapphire is stiffer than quartz, these sapphire windows need to be half as thin as the same window made of quartz. Sapphire has superior transparency, scratch resistance, temperature stability, and resistance against pressure and aggressive chemicals.
Roditi International, Hamburg, Germany
Universal lens mount
All-aluminum universal lens mounts are now available. They hold stock lenses by threading a stop ring inside the lens mount to the desired depth, inserting the lens in place and fixing it in place with the retainer ring and a spanner wrench. More than one lens can be mounted in the cylinder. Cylinders also can be threaded into one another. Sizes are available to hold 20- to 75-mm diameter lenses.
Rolyn Optics, Covina, CA
Three-CCD camera head
A new 1/3-in., three-CCD remote-head color video camera, the DXC-C33, has a unique two-piece design that separates the camera head from the processor. The camera has digital video output for applications from industrial inspection and microscopy to point-of-view sports shooting. The head measures 32 x 38 x 40 mm and weighs 48 g. The sensor provides horizontal resolution of 850 TV lines, 768 x 494 effective pixels, and a 62-dB signal-to-noise ratio.
Sony Electronics, Park Ridge, NJ
Fiber-coupled laser
The Lasiris HPTL pigtail diode laser projects up to 2.6 W of collimated laser beam from a length of multimode optical fiber. The HPTL has a rugged, industrial design, including ESD protection and TEC temperature control. The laser was designed as a light source for high-power optical density applications.
StockerYale,
Montreal, Que., Canada
Nitrogen laser
The new 337-Sx is a nitrogen laser for MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight) mass spectrometric and other OEM applications. It is suited for use in instrumentation for proteomics research. The laser delivers pulsed radiation at 337 nm in the UV with up to a 100-Hz repetition rate.
Thermo Laser Science, Franklin, MA
Package inspection software
Two package-inspection software applications are designed for use with the company's vision sensors. CapInspect inspects container caps for presence or absence, skew, height, and container fill levels. LabelInspect inspects labels for presence or absence, measures label position, and inspects logos, decorations, and other features. Each has a graphical user interface.
Cognex Corp., Natick, MA
Logarithmic converter
The single-chip AD8304 logarithmic converter directly interfaces to fiberoptic photodiodes and can be designed into optical amplifiers, optical switches, and transmit laser modules. The AD8304 has a 160-dB dynamic range, 0.1-dB accuracy, and a 14-pin TSSOP package, operating from a single 5-V supply. A proprietary adaptive photodiode bias function is incorporated. The converter is designed as a lower-cost alternative to hybrids and seeks to avoid the calibration complexities found with switched-gain TIA solutions.
Analog Devices, Norwood, MA
Triple spectrograph system
The TriplePro series of modular triple spectrograph systems incorporates a 300-mm double subtractive monochromator as the prefilter, with a triple-grating SpectroPro 500 spectrophotometer as the final dispersing stage. Designed for Raman spectroscopy applications, the TriplePro is equipped with two exit positions on the output stage. SpectraSense data acquisition software is included.
Acton Research Corp., Acton, MA
Filter wheel accessory
The Filter Wheel performs tests on wavelength, linearity, and noise, allowing ASD customers to quickly verify whether their instruments are in compliance with NIR spectroscopy standards. A wizard-enhanced software program guides users through the 2- to 3-min test process. Designed for the pharmaceutical industry, the wheel measures 4.5 x 2.5 x 4 in., weighs 1.5 lbs, and connects via a 1-m SMA-to-SMA fiberoptic jumper cable.
Analytical Spectral Devices,
Boulder, CO
Oil objective for microscopy
The α Plan-FLUAR 100x/1.45 oil objective is now available for use in fluorescence microscopy and total-internal-reflection fluorescence. The objective offers transmission properties as low as 340 nm. Unlike other FLUAR models, the image is flat until the field of 23 mm. The objective uses fluorescence-free "Immersol F" immersion oil with a refractive index of 1.518 and offers a high NA.
Carl Zeiss, Jena, Germany
Optical power meters
The 510 Series of optical power meters includes autoranging readout in nanowatts, microwatts, and milliwatts, as well as decibels and decibel meters. Accessible via three keys on the front of the unit, features include logarithmic power and relative power. Four power-meter detector options are available: 510i (2-mm InGaAs), 510ih (2-mm high-power InGaAs), 510g (3-mm germanium), and 510s (3.5-mm silicon).
Cercis, Pennington, NJ
High-speed camera
The HI-CAM is an intensified high-speed camera that images up to 1825 f/s at light levels down to 10-4 lux. Transient images of rapidly changing faint phenomena can be recorded at high spatial and high time resolution. The camera offers single-photon detection capability and shutter times to 100 ns. It is equipped with a two-stage image intensifier fiberoptically coupled to a CMOS image sensor.
Lambert Instruments,
Leutingewolde, The Netherlands
Digital machine-vision camera
The CDC-100 is a 1280 x 1024-resolution digital CMOS camera designed specifically for machine-vision applications. At approximately half the size and weight of conventional machine-vision cameras, the camera offers a cost-effective alternative for the use of high-resolution imaging in a broad range of vision applications.
Cognex, Natick, MA
Photodiode arrays
The EPA-4400 series is a family of 8, 16, and 32 element photodiode scintillator arrays that are suitable for a wide range of x-ray and scanning applications, including spectroscopy, general medical, security systems, and baggage scanners. The arrays offer high sensitivity (400 to 1080 λ), uniform response of 0.30 A/W (at 540 nm), element size of 1.49 x 3.61 mm and an element spacing of 1.587 mm.
Elekon, Torrance, CA
Six-inch UV curing system
The Light Hammer 6 is a new, high-powered, 6-in. lamp system that offers higher degrees of conversion than typically achieved with ac-powered light sources. Operating in the 500-W/in. power class, the system consists of a microwave irradiator and a new solid-state power supply. An electrode-less bulb mounted in an elliptical reflector focuses an intense strip of light 2.1 in. below the surface of the lamp.
Fusion UV Systems,
Gaithersburg, MD
Fiberoptic adhesives
A new line of durable fiberoptic adhesives has been developed to prevent movement of critical components during curing and subsequent thermal cycling. The line includes three new fixturing and positioning adhesives (not designed for use in the optical path) and 10 adhesives with refractive indices from 1.42 to 1.58, for use in the optical pathway.
Dymax, Torrington, CT
Femtosecond PMD analyzer
A second-order measurement capability has been added to the FPMD-5600 femtosecond polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) analyzer. The new capability enables optical component manufacturers to measure second-order PMD in devices such as narrowband DWDM channels and broadband components, helping overcome technological obstacles to 40-Gbit/s deployment.
Exfo, Quebec City, Canada
Mounting rings
A line of mounting rings for finishing and protecting the edges of optics such as lenses, filters, gratings, pellicles, and mirrors has been introduced. With an internal recess to hold the optics, the aluminum mounting rings are offered in 9- to 50-mm O.D. sizes; in 3-mm increments, ranging from 0.75 to 7 mm deep; and have 0.2-mm or 0.5-mm-thick walls to accommodate various optics.
Cockrill Precision Products, Holliston, MA
Photo ICs
The new S8030 and S8064 photo ICs integrate a photodiode, LED drive circuitry, and a signal-processing circuit in a subminiature plastic package. The units are designed for use within an infrared LED and light-emitting/receiving lens to accurately determine the proximity of an object. Applications include robotics and optical switches.
Hamamatsu, Bridgewater, NJ
Photon-counting module
The id 100 is a photon-counting module working at telecom wavelengths. It features a quantum detection efficiency of 10% at 1550 nm, as well as a low dark count rate and subnanosecond jitter. The module comes as a stand-alone unit, with internal counter and display. Applications include quantum optics, fiberoptic characterization, spectroscopy, and eye-safe lidar.
id Quantique, Geneva, Switzerland
Optical design software
Linos Pre-Designer is new optical design software intended to assist with simple, fundamental stages of optical design. The software does not require that fundamental parameters of the system be specified. It features a user-friendly interface. The software was developed for use by students learning optics or those in training to become optical designers and engineers.
Linos Photonics,
Crownhill, England
Phosphorimeter accessory
A pulsed-lamp phosphorimeter accessory is now available for the Spex FluoroMax-3 spectrofluorometer. A xenon flash lamp and attendant electronics are added to the standard steady-state illuminator. It is then possible to collect phosphorescence lifetime data as well as rejection of fluorescence interference. All operations are performed via software.
Jobin Yvon, Edison, NJ
Nd:YAG laser welder
The new ETBL Series laser welder has a three-beam fiberoptic-coupled output. Each beam delivers energy up to 7 J with a 10-ms pulsewidth and has an independently controllable mechanical shutter to selectively turn it on and off. The system was developed specifically for fiberoptic-component assembly and packaging.
Equilasers, Santa Clara, CA
Laser focusing lenses
A line of ZnSe positive focusing lenses for CO2 lasers is available from stock in 0.6- to 2-in. diameter sizes in plano-convex, concave, and meniscus shapes. In available focal lengths from 1 to 20 in. in 0.1-in. increments, depending upon configuration, they provide <0.2% total absorption values. They are optimized for 10.6-μm radiation. Applications include low- and high-power laser cutting, drilling, engraving, and welding systems.
Laser Research Optics,
Providence, RI
Array connector system
An array connector system is designed to shield and isolate EMI and provide multiple back shell options for a variety of fiberoptic management systems. The system is used on the card front panel or chassis back panel. It is constructed of nickel-plated aluminum and has polarized guide pins to ensure consistent mating. The system exceeds Telcordia 1435 Pull Test Requirements.
Molex, Lisle, IL
Reference flats
Reference flats of up to 1-m diameter are made from high-stability materials including glass, zerodur, and silica. Sizes range from 105 to 600 mm for precision alignment applications in optics and engineering. For precision applications, surface accuracy of 1/00 and surface roughness of 1 nm rms is reached. All reference flats include an optical test report.
Optical Surfaces Ltd.,
Kenley, England
980-nm pump lasers
A new series of single-mode, high-power, 980-nm pump laser diodes offers operation power up to 330 mW. The product consists of an optimized quantum-well laser that has been specifically designed for applications such as erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). The lasers are available as bar, die, or chip on submount, or in complete laser modules.
Lumics, Berlin, Germany
High-power 405-nm lasers
The iFLEX-2000 series of fiber-coupled lasers has added a 10-mW version of the 405-nm violet laser-diode system. The laser delivers 10 mW from the end of a single-mode polarization-maintaining optical fiber. The laser features a constant power mode of cw operation. It has been developed for materials processing and materials characterization applications where higher power at 405 nm is required.
Point Source,
Southampton, England
UV optics and coatings
Melles Griot has designed and manufactured lenses, mirrors, prisms, and beamsplitters specifically designed for use in the 120- to 370-nm range. These components are made from UV-grade synthetic fused silica with an ultrafine laser polish and a 10-5 scratch dig specification. A thin-film optical coating is designed for optimum performance in the UV at 193, 248, or 355 nm.
Melles Griot, Irvine, CA
Five-axis translation/rotation system
The PENTOR is a new five-axis translation/rotation system that combines three axes of translation (100 microns per axis) with two orthogonal axes with tilt of 2.5 mrad per axis. The system was specifically designed to address positioning issues in fiber alignment, microscopy, scanning systems, micropositioning, dynamic applications, laser tuning, and optical stages. The PENTOR is equipped with a 17-mm free center hole to allow the passage of light.
Piezosystem Jena, Jena, Germany
Wide-bandwidth InP modulator
The QEM1001, with a bandwidth of over 40 nm covering the C-band, is a wide-bandwidth EA modulator that uses indium phosphide (InP). Using proprietary material technologies and manufacturing processes, a propagation loss of 0.5 dB/mm and an extinction ratio >20 dB have been demonstrated. The device is intended for 10-Gbit/s transmitter products and designed for use in MAN applications.
Qusion Technologies, North Brunswick, NJ
Cassette load-lock optical coater
The AURORA is a cassette load-lock optical coater that combines semiconductor technology (ion beam sputtering) with load-lock technology. Each 12-in. diameter holder can accommodate many small optics or larger optics up to 12-in. diameter. The cassette can accommodate up to six holders. These are automatically sequenced through the process chamber, permitting whole-shift unattended operation, for weeks at a time.
Nordiko, Havant, England
Miniature fiberoptic spectrometer
The USB2000-VIS-NIR is an off-the-shelf, plug-and-play, miniature fiberoptic spectrometer for use in the 350- to 1000-nm wavelength range. The unit has a 2048-element CCD array detector, a 25-μm entrance slit and a 600-lines/mm grating to deliver optical resolution to 1.5-nm FWHM. Designed for colorimetric measurements, the unit is arranged with a preset grating and optical bench accessories.
Ocean Optics, Dunedin, FL
Fiberoptic panels
LED-driven fiberoptic panels can backlight an LCD using 10 to 20 mA at 2 VDC with a life of up to 100,000 hours, with no inverter required. Designed as an alternative to cold-cathode fluorescent lamps, a single panel can uniformly spread light from a single LED into a 100 x 250-mm area. The compact units measure 0.33 mm in thickness and have applications in membrane switches, digital controllers, test and measurement equipment, and medical instrumentation.
Lumitex, Strongsville, OH
Fiberoptic cuvette accessory
The SL4-CUV is a compact fiberoptic UV + VIS light source with an integrated cuvette holder. The accessory is used for measuring color, chemical concentrations, absorbance, and transmittance of fluids with StellarNet's portable fiberoptic spectrometers. The accessory uses a pulsed xenon light (200- to 1100-nm range) with a mini cable plugging directly into the spectrometer for synchronization of 8.5 mJ per flash.
StellarNet, Tampa, FL
Laser marking system
The new 532-nm "green" wavelength, LE-100GB diode-pumped laser marking system incorporates a Nd:YVO4 laser source and is based on the same platform as the company's 1064-nm system. Features include a unique diode-pumped vanadate technology, compact size, 10,000-hour maintenance intervals, and air-cooled operation. The system can mark electronics parts, silicon wafers, and plastics that cannot be marked using the 1064-nm standard wavelength without damage.
RMI Laser Division, Lafayette, CO
Near-IR excitation lasers
The RL785 and RL830 compact, lightweight air-cooled lasers operate at 785 and 830 nm, respectively. They are designed for Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy as part of both portable and OEM-based systems. Features include frequency stabilization, side band suppression, and an audible warning of laser emission for safety. Output power is ≥300 mW (measured at the laser head) with stability of ±1%.
Renishaw, Gloucestershire, England
UV photodiode
The UVD 39 is new UV photodiode in a TO-39 metal package. It has a spectral range extending between 225 and 380 nm. The photodiode offers short switching times, an operating temperature from 0°C to +60°C and a large active area measuring 15.66 mm2. These photodiodes can be used for UV light detectors and in medical applications.
Roithner Lasertechnik,
Vienna, Austria
Trinocular stereo microscope
A trinocular zoom stereo microscope has a 45° inclined binocular head with a vertical C-mount port. The entire head swivels 360°. The optics zoom continuously from 0.65x to 4.5x for a maximum magnification of 225x for the system. An optional bolt-on 12-V/5-W fluorescent light illuminator provides uniform 6000 K illumination.
Rolyn Optics, Covina, CA
Spectroscopic detectors
The entire family of Spec-10 spectroscopic detectors has been re-engineered to operate at speeds of 2 MHz and 50 kHz. These CCD-based systems will continue to have the option to run at 100 kHz and 1 MHz. The 50 kHz setting is useful for applications such as Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy. The 2-MHz setting is designed for pump-probe methods and high-repetition rate experiments.
Roper Scientific, Tucson, AZ
Scan heads
Two new scan heads, hurryScan II 10 and Scanjet II, have apertures of 10 and 7 mm, respectively. The scan heads utilize newly developed dynAXIS S and dynAXIS XS galvanometer scanners that are custom-engineered for specific apertures. Marking speeds >1000 characters per second are possible. Applications include processing of electronics components and for marking in the semiconductor and packaging industries.
Scanlab, Puchheim, Germany
Polarization-maintaining fiber
A polarization-maintaining fiber has a high birefringence (hi-bi), low attenuation, reduced outer-cladding diameters, and high core circularities. The bow-tie stress structure design of the fiber is suited for hi-bi. The fiber is available in operation wavelengths in the range of 850 to 1550 nm, and large coating outer diameters are available. Applications include use in gyroscopes, high-voltage current sensors, communications systems, and polarization-sensitive components.
StockerYale, Salem, NH
Intelligent LED ringlights
A line of intelligent LED ringlights includes a standard 3-ring LED ringlight, a darkfield ringlight, and a diffuse dome ringlight. They were designed with a patent-pending technology to detect intensity and temperature fluctuations for continuous feedback and failsafe operation. Other unique features include a matrix-plate heat sink to dissipate heat buildup and a matrix circuit design. The ringlights are intended for machine vision and industrial-OEM applications.
Schott-Fostec, Auburn, NY
DPSS pulsed laser
Jade is a diode-pumped solid-state pulsed laser that provides an average power in excess of 30 W at the second harmonic wavelength of Nd:YLF. It can generate high-energy pulses at a multikilohertz repetition rate. Jade emits a low multimode beam (M2<12) with circular, uniform quasi-Gaussian intensity distribution, useful in both scientific and industrial applications.
Thales Laser, Orsay, France
Germanium-based photodetector
Using a proprietary process, a germanium-based photodetector has been developed for use as a monitor photodetector in fiberoptic telecommunication systems. It offers an economical alternative to conventional InGaAs-based monitoring photodetectors.
Spectrolab, Sylmar, CA
Digital video microscope
The TechnoLOOK digital video microscope has a camera head that positions up to 45° to either side of center to provide unlimited viewing angles. The microscope offers expandability, and users can transfer images to a PC for editing, emailing, or incorporating into presentations. Features include optics with digital zoom for up to 40x magnification, depth-of-field allowing a clear view of the entire subject, and a built-in laser pointer.
Sony Precision Technology,
Lake Forest, CA