Stray light control, scatter reduction, black coatings.

Stray Light, Scatter, and Black Coatings Summary This report is a tutorial on basic issues regarding stray light and scatter.  A basic stray light problem is analyzed and a solution of using a black surface is given.  The scatter metric of BRDF is explored and results of a BRDF model are shown.  Other types of […]

A tutorial for designing fundamental imaging systems

A tutorial for designing fundamental imaging systems 1. Abstract This tutorial shows what to do when we design opto-mechanical system for imaging system. Basic principles about designing paraxial systems are introduced. In particular, you can find how to decide specifications, how to select optical elements, how to calculate image shift and how to estimate wavefront […]

Advanced cameras capturing depth and focus.

Plenoptic cameras What is Plenoptic camera? How it works? What is the application? Plenoptic cameras, known as light field cameras, best capture light fields. How do robotic systems use light field data? What new features does this type of camera create? How do you calibrate them properly? In this article, we take a closer look […]

Focused light propagation in Gaussian beams.

Gaussian Beam Optics I. Introduction In your typical optics lab, most of us, as scientists or engineers, are familiar with  geometrical optics, which assumes that the wavelength of the light approaches zero. When constructing a formalism for light propagation and optical analysis, this assumption allows us to ignore any effects resulting from diffraction and greatly […]

Precision in optical measurements. (Part5)

Manufacturing optical tolerances are important factors that impact both performance and cost of an optical component or system. Optical components commonly require tighter optical tolerances than mechanical components. Cost Drivers for Optical Components Each of the factors below will affect the cost for an optical component: • Quantity • Material • Surface Shape • Size […]

Precision in optical measurements. (Part4)

Manufacturing optical tolerances are important factors that impact both performance and cost of an optical component or system. Optical components commonly require tighter optical tolerances than mechanical components. Cost Drivers for Optical Components Each of the factors below will affect the cost for an optical component: • Quantity • Material • Surface Shape • Size […]

Precision in optical measurements. (Part3)

Manufacturing optical tolerances are important factors that impact both performance and cost of an optical component or system. Optical components commonly require tighter optical tolerances than mechanical components. Cost Drivers for Optical Components Each of the factors below will affect the cost for an optical component: • Quantity • Material • Surface Shape • Size […]

Precision in optical measurements. (Part2)

Manufacturing optical tolerances are important factors that impact both performance and cost of an optical component or system. Optical components commonly require tighter optical tolerances than mechanical components. Cost Drivers for Optical Components Each of the factors below will affect the cost for an optical component: • Quantity • Material • Surface Shape • Size […]