White Papers and Case Studies

  1. Utilizing Fluorescence Filters For Microscopy And Imaging 6/17/2020

    Because image quality is highly dependent on the design and overall performance of the fluorescence filters integrated into microscope and imaging systems, optical filter performance is just as important to the final image as sample preparation and fluorophore selection.

  2. When Failure Is Not An Option 6/11/2020

    The manufacture of Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance (ISR) optics requires a rigorous analysis of the capabilities and methods of an optical component design/manufacturing partner. Not all design/manufacturing partners are the same, and it is important that integrators elect to work in a collaborative way with companies that have the expertise, pedigree and capabilities to scale up production of components in an accurate and repeatable way.

  3. Innovation In AR Lens Coatings: High-Quality Coatings For High-Power Lasers 5/5/2020

    Coatings must protect the lens and allow for the highest levels of optical performance, with low levels of absorption and a long life expectancy, while also exhibiting appropriate transparency and an acceptable cost/benefit ratio.

  4. White Paper: The Challenge Of Manufacturing Large Mirrors 4/29/2020

    Large mirrors are a critical aspect of numerous optical systems and are used in a wide variety of important applications. For the production of high performance large mirrors, optical manufacturers are tasked with the challenge of meeting a strict set of requirements.

  5. Glass Strengthening Methods 10/17/2019

    Strengthening glass can be done via three primary processes; tempering, thermal strengthening and chemical strengthening in order to increase the heat resistance and overall strength of the glass. This article provides an overview of all three processes.

  6. Optical Monitoring System Improves Thin-Film Coating Accuracy 3/14/2018

    In the past, a thin-film design software was used to help develop the coating, but the real challenge was in actually replicating the design thickness and the material indexes inside the coating chamber, without any errors. 

  7. New Tool Measures 4 Surface Appearance Quality Conditions Simultaneously 1/18/2018

    Learn about a new manufacturing-friendly tool that allows you to establish numerical standards for and measure four conditions of surface quality: gloss, haze, image clarity, and bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), including Canon’s new parameter, “Scattering C20, C60.” 

  8. How To Select A Spherical Lens 7/6/2016

    Optical systems use lenses to focus, collimate, expand, collect, and image light. Ranging from convex to concave, and bestform to aspheric, any lens selection must be made with the utmost consideration for its purpose as well as its required quality. This white paper delivers a review of singlet spherical lens shapes, and guidance on deciding the best lens characteristics for each application.

  9. Specifying Wavefront Or Surface Error In Aspheres 5/12/2016

    The optical quality of aspheric mirrors is commonly specified by their surface accuracy and reflected wavefront error. The surface error is the deviation of the surface from its perfect form, while the wavefront error is the deviation of the resulting reflected or transmitted wavefront from its perfect shape. It is often assumed that these tolerances are related to each other by a simple scale factor. However, that is not the case when it comes to aspheric mirrors. This application note compares surface accuracy measurements with wavefront error measurements, and provides an application example on using them in off-axis parabolas.

  10. Benefits Of Heat Tempering vs. Heat Strengthening Of Glass 4/12/2016

    There are two types of heat-treated glass. Heat-strengthened glass is approximately two times stronger than annealed or untreated glass, while the tempered glass will be four times stronger and less likely to experience breakage through thermal shock. This application note presents the benefits and characteristics of each type of heat-treated glass.