Specialty fiber
PS-SMF-30 specialty fiber is an intrinsically photosensitive single-mode-fiber-matched optical fiber for the fabrication of fiber Bragg gratings. The matched numerical aperture allows low splice loss to standard single-mode fiber. The fiber does not require hydrogen loading, and it can be used as an alternative to hydrogenated standard fiber.
Lasiris, St-Laurent, Que., Canada
Three-color sensor
The S7505 surface-mountable, three-color sensor has three narrow-band filters on a single-chip, four-element detector, providing RGB color separation. It can be used as a monitor diode in color printers, a color analysis device for television screens, and a color-recognition device in various measuring instruments. Typical dark current is 10 pA with sensitivity of 0.23 A/W at 460 nm, 0.28 A/W at 530 nm, and 0.45 A/W at 660 nm. It operates from -10°C to 60°C.
Hamamatsu Corp., Bridgewater, NJ
Nut ball screw
The RN series of rotating nut ball screws can increase transverse speeds up to 200 m/min. The series consists of standard diameter and standard lead screws surrounded by a flange-type precision housing, which contains the preloaded rotating ball nut assembly and allows a timing belt to drive the nut. Bearings in the housing are grease-packed and sealed for life. The series, with efficiency greater than 90%, is available in ISO precision classes 3 and 5 in both single-track medium-duty and twin-track high-duty configurations.
Thomson Industries, Port Washington, NY
Miniature laser module
The LOC-MM laser module has a diameter of 8.5 mm and a length of 14.4 mm, including the transverse-mounted electronic driver board. The standard 650-nm, 5-mW laser with a fixed focus lens incorporates reverse voltage and transient suppression. It includes a rear-mounted miniature trimmer for power adjustment and operates on two 2.5- to 3.5-V batteries. The electronics require 25 mA. The module is designed for sensing and security applications, float switches, level and proximity detection, and laser-leveling applications.
LasIRvis Optoelectronics Components Ltd., Bedford, England
DPSSL system
The ITL 2000 is a diode-pumped, solid-state-laser (DPSSL) system emitting up to 60 W CW at 2 µm through an optical fiber. It can be used for welding high-transparent thermoplastics or pumping high-power OPOs. It comes with either a water/air chiller of a water/water heat exchanger and includes an industrial PLC interface and RS 232 and 485 serial interfaces.
LISA Laser Products OHG, Lindau, Germany
Fiber test packages
The FTI Basic and FTI Pro fiber test installer packages test multimode fibers at 850 and 1300 nm. The Basic includes the FTK100 Optical Fiber Test Kit for quick readout of optical loss, the FT120 Fiber Viewer, and a reference guide. The Pro has the FTK200 for testing multiple links and is capable of storing results of 500 tests and has software for uploading the results to a PC.
Fluke Networks, Everett, WA
Video microscopes
The FVM video microscope offers a new solution for visual inspection of fiberoptic connectors and cable assemblies. The series includes a 9-in. monochrome display, choice of 200X or 400X optics, and a universal connector adapter that accepts standard 2.5- or 1.25-mm ferrules.
GN Nettest, Utica, NY
Optical transceivers
The 1063- and 1250-Mbit/s SFF serial optical transceivers from IBM Microelectronics are laser-based and use low-loss LC-type push-pull optical connectors to connect processors, switches, and peripherals through an optical fiber. Each transceiver has an integrated photodetector and preamp for optical-electrical conversion and a laser driver and postamp for electrical-optical conversion.
Sequoia Technology, Reading, England
Parametric analysis software
Laser-diode parametric analysis software is designed for the company's LPA-9070 analyzer. Basic users can run tests from a single screen, and advanced users can use a test setup wizard to create their own test requirements. Software allows data export to other applications.
ILX Lightwave, Bozeman, MT
Water circulator
Portable water circulator is an uncooled, 30-l water reservoir with a built-in pump that circulates water through the company's water-cooled measurement heads, allowing high-power operation for several minutes. It can run from 40 min at 500 W to 2.5 min at 8000 W. It includes a temperature display and 2-m 3/8-in. plastic tubing.
Ophir Optronics, Danvers, MA
Fabry-Perot etalons
A range of Fabry-Perot etalons can be supplied in pairs up to 150-mm diameter with matching accuracies up to l/300. They have wedge angles ranging from 5 arc min for smaller diameters to 40 arc min over diameters of 70 mm. They are available in standard materials including UV-grade silica and germanium.
Optical Surfaces, Kenley, Surrey, England
DPSS laser
The BL6-355Q Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser delivers more than 1-W average power at 355 nm at 35 kHz. A LBO tripling crystal can be translated to 77 operating positions, cutting down crystal degradation. A single 40-W pump laser is field replaceable. The laser head is 500 mm long, and the power supply can be rack mounted.
Spectra-Physics, Mountain View, CA
Nd:YAG laser
Polaris is a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system for industrial and scientific applications. Version II provides 50-mJ pulses at 1064 nm and 20 or 30 Hz. Version III provides 90-mJ pulses at 1064 nm and 10 or 20 Hz. The power supply operates on 100 to 240 Vac, 50 or 60 Hz. Options include harmonic generators and dichroic mirrors for 532, 355, and 266 nm.
New Wave Research, Fremont, CA
Design and analysis software
LightTools, which utilizes the OpenGL rendering engine, is illumination design and analysis software that claims superior 3-D rendering and modeling of scattering surfaces. LightTools can import measured bidirectional scatter distribution function data for a surface. These data can be used to model rotationally symmetric scatter or fit to an elliptical Gaussian function to model anisotropic scatter. The speed and accuracy of scatter analysis has been enhanced by user-defined surfaces or volumes over which the program analyzes scattered light. This feature can accelerate analysis by eliminating the tracing of rays that do not contribute to the final answer.
Optical Research Associates, Pasadena, CA
Pulse generator
The model PB-5 programmable precision pulse generator offers repetition rates variable from 2 Hz to 0.5 MHz, allowing the testing of MCA and PHA linearity. Pulsewidth can be from 150 ns to 10 ms, delay from 250 ns to 10 ms, risetime from 0.05 to 10 µs in eight steps, decay time 0.5 to 10 µs in 11 steps, and amplitude 0 to 10 V or 0 to 5 V into 50 W.
Berkeley Nucleonics Corp., San Rafael, CA
Avalanche photodiodes
Large-area avalanche photodiode modules designed for high-volume OEM users are available with detector diameters of 3, 5, and 10 mm with UV, blue, or red/IR spectral enhancements. The noncooled modules have a gain of 200 and can be used for applications such as spectroscopy, flow cytometry, colorimetry, semiconductor inspection, and environmental monitoring.
Advanced Photonix, Camarillo, CA
Epoxy
EP30-3 is an optically clear, low-viscosity epoxy adhesive, sealant, and encapsulant. The two-component system has a noncritical 100 to 30 mix ratio by weight, with a service operating temperature range of -60°F to 435°F. It has a pot life of 12 to 18 h and cures in 30 min at 150°F followed by 2 to 3 h at 250°F to 300°F.
Master Bond, Hackensack, NJ
Halide illuminator
A 50-W metal-halide fiberoptic illuminator is designed for use in medical and industrial endoscopy, microscope illumination, and decorative lighting. A 229 x 259 x 97-mm metal casing houses a 50-W Solarc bulb along with control electronics and cooling components. It runs on 100- to 240-Vac and can project up to 1500 lux of white light for 2500 h.
Welch Allyn, Skaneateles Falls, NY
TE laser coolers
OptoTEC thermoelectric coolers for telecommunications laser diodes from Melcor Corp. can be used at temperatures up to 225°C and can achieve temperature differences approaching 70°C. A three-stage cooler can achieve temperature differences up to 110°C. The coolers include aluminum nitride ceramic plates for improved thermal conductivity, wire-bonding posts, and custom packaging.
AMS Technologies ThermoTech Division, Munich, Germany
CMOS image sensors
The KAC-0310 VGA and KAC-1310 Megapixel sensors are CMOS-based. The VGA is a 640 x 480-pixel array in a 1/3-in. optical format using a 7.8-µm pinned photodiode active-pixel structure. The Megapixel is a 1280 x 1024-pixel array in a 0.5-in. optical format using a 6-µm pinned photodiode pixel structure.
Eastman Kodak Image Sensor Division, Rochester, NY
Scanning electron microscope
The S-2600 scanning electron microscope includes fully automated functions such as filament saturation, stigmation, focus, contrast, and brightness. Its back-scattered electron detector operates in compositional, topographical, and 3-D modes. Software is based on Windows NT.
Hitachi Scientific Instrument Division, Mountain View, CA
Beam steerer
The powerScan 70 is a galvanometer-based scan module that performs deflection of laser beams in the kilowatt range with diameters up to 70 mm. It makes possible remote welding of metal and cutting of paper or textiles in working areas of up to 1500 x 1500 mm. The laser spot can be adapted to 3-D contours of the work piece in real time.
Scanlab AG, Puchheim, Germany
Fluid chillers
A line of fluid chillers has cooling capacities ranging from 0.25 to 8.25 tons (0.6 to 43 kW). They are designed for 24-hour duty and include digital electronic thermostats with alarms. Safety features include compressor and pump motor protector circuits, refrigerant high-pressure cutout switches, and pump overcurrent relays.
Orion/Semifab, Hollister, CA
Photodetectors
Series D photodetectors are designed to detect weak, high-speed signals riding on an unpredictably varying strong background. Frequency response is from true dc to 10 GHz with useable gain to 20 GHz. Overall optical gain ranges from 200 to 2500 V/W. GaAs devices have a spectral range of 450 to 870 nm, with 850 to 1700 nm for InGaAs.
Martin, Froeschner & Associates, Livermore, CA
Clear epoxy
AngströmBond is an optically clear, low-viscosity epoxy designed for applications requiring continuous use at 265°C. The two-part rigid system allows bonds to metal, glass ceramic, and most plastics. Fully cured material will produce a high glass transition temperature that allows for stability during temperature cycling.
Fiber Optic Center, New Bedford, MA
Fiberoptic spectrometer
The USB2000 spectrometer has a modular design, allowing the user to choose from two detectors, 14 gratings, six slits, and many accessories. It plugs into the USB port of a computer and draws power through that, requiring no external power. The device automatically reads the wavelength calibration coefficients of the spectrometer and configures the operating software.
Ocean Optics, Dunedin, FL
Fiber-alignment mounts
Optical-fiber-alignment mounts made from anodized aluminum are available with standard movement, micrometer movement, or gimbal tilt control with micrometer movement. The mounts have ±1.5-mm travel in the x and y axes. The micrometer versions have 2.5-µm resolution, and the gimbal tilt model has ±2° adjustable angle range.
Edmund Industrial Optics, Barrington, NJ
Sensor array
The TSL3301 CMOS linear optical sensor array is a 300 dpi, 102 x 1 array on a monolithic IC. It includes an on-chip, 8-bit analog-to-digital converter that converts pixel data at a 1-µs rate. Three 34-pixel segments have their own set of programmable gain and offset registers. The device operates down to 3 V.
Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Plano, TX
DPSS modules
The RE-Series diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser modules for high-power industrial and scientific Nd:YAG laser systems produce >450-W multimode at 1.064 µm or approximately 100-W TEM00. Modules can be placed in series to generate several kilowatts of CW output. They are designed to be drop-in replacements of standard lamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser cavities.
Cutting Edge Optronics, St. Charles, MO
Line-narrowed excimer laser
The EX50LN line-narrowed excimer laser has linewidths <1-pm FWHM at 193 and 248 nm, with output energy >7 mJ at 248 nm. It can also operate with a <5-pm linewidth with 15-mJ output. Units with several repetition rates are available from 125-Hz air-cooled units to 1-kHz water-cooled units.
GAM Laser, Orlando, FL
Color cameras
A line of color cameras includes three CCD units, a CMOS version, and a CCD-based finished version in a completely enclosed case that can be clipped into a PC. The CCD cameras measure 22 x 26 x 3.5 mm and are available with several lens styles and outputs. The CMOS sensor is <0.5 in.2, consumes 220 mW, and offers digital YUV output.
Panasonic Industrial Co., Secaucus, NJ
Sapphire lenses
A line of sapphire lenses is designed for use in near-infrared laser systems such as erbium and holmium medical lasers. They are available in plano-concave and plano-convex configurations in sizes from 0.5- to 2-in. diameter. They have Mohs 9 surface hardness and provide >97% transmission with AR coatings on both sides at 2.94 and 2.1 µm.
Meller Optics, Providence, RI
Blue diode laser
A blue diode laser provides output between 15 and 24 mW in a 6-mm-diameter beam with diffraction-limited output for DVD and printing applications. For spectroscopic applications, beam diameter is 2 mm with 20- to 24-mW output. Temperature is controlled for longer lifetimes.
Micro Laser Systems, Garden Grove, CA