Beam Expander Design
Introduction to Beam Exander Design The essence of numerous laser applications lies in the capacity to control and shape laser beams to meet specific requirements. In previous articles, we discussed the significance of beam splitters, homogenizers, and Powell lenses. Now, our focus shifts to the concept of beam expanders, an important optical element that can […]
Benefits of Zemax’s Black Box Lenses
When integrating off the shelf lenses into optical systems, it is essential to have full information about how a lens will perform with other elements in the system. When multiple component vendors ( ie electronics, mechanical, optical) are involved, data needs to be shared without revealing key intellectual property. The information found on a traditional […]
Powell Lens Design
Previous posts have reviewed different techniques for beam homogenization as well as the difference between spot size and beam angle. This post will review a method for beam shaping using Powell Lenses. Powell lenses are lenses that create a straight laser line by dispersing, in a controlled way, an input collimated beam. They were first […]
How the Abbe Sine Condition impacts optical designs
When making first order optical design calculations, most engineers use parameters based on paraxial (or ideal) systems. That is, lenses in which the chief rays are very close to the optical axis. However, that’s not always the case, and as we move away from paraxial optics conditions, the presence of aberrations has a greater impact […]
3 Rules For Plano Convex Lens Design
Plano convex lens design is simple compared to many optical systems, but there are fine details that a lens designer needs to pay attention to. Plano convex lenses are lenses with a positive focal length. This is a very common configuration, and a plano convex can be manufactured in different glass types, with different coatings, […]
Exploring LIDAR Lens Design: Innovations and Applications in Optical Engineering
Introduction LIDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging. In recent years, LIDAR has emerged as a transformative force across a multitude of industries, revolutionizing everything from autonomous vehicles to archaeology. But what exactly is LIDAR, how does it work, and why is it so significant? In this article, we will delve into the intricate world […]