Andover Gas Analysis Filters isolate specific regions of the spectrum, simultaneously providing high transmission of desired energy, and deep rejection of unwanted energy. Constructed of hard, durable first-surface dielectric coatings on optical-quality IR-transmitting substrates, these filters will withstand normal cleaning and handling associated with any high-quality optical component.

Electrically Focus-Tunable Lenses from Edmund Optics offer a single-lens solution for focus and zoom objectives. Applying a control voltage to each compact, plano-convex lens changes their radius. Electrical manipulation of the radius allows for a focal range of +15 to +100mm, providing an adjustable focal length for a variety of purposes and negating the need for a multi-lens system. High refractive or low dispersion materials are offered. The cover glasses are available with VIS or NIR coating. These tunable lenses can replace the functionality of a complete lens kit in laboratory settings, offering the on-demand adaptability needed to avoid the complex mechanical manipulation associated with a multi-lens system. Ideal for researchers and OEMs alike, Focus-Tunable Lenses offer continuous focusability over a specific focal range, allowing the user to custom-tune the lenses for optimum performance.

The VENTEON | PULSE : ONE Ti:Sapphire oscillator product line features leading edge few-cycle laser pulse sources with built-in world records. The oscillators range from high power, ultra broadband systems emitting the shortest pulse durations <6 fs commercially available, to octave-spanning laser systems with the ability for direct carrier envelope phase control. The new OPCPA seed source provides a CEP stable front end with high power level @1030 nm without external broadening.

Lastek now offers ZEMAX optical design software, chosen by optical engineers and designers around the world for modelling of lens design, illumination, laser beam propagation, stray light, freeform optical design and many other applications. Zemax leads the industry in technical power, ease of use and proven accuracy. Whatever kind of optical system design problem you have, Zemax can help. Contact Lastek for all your questions on Zemax software and optical design.

Gentec Electro-Optics have announced the MAESTRO Laser Power & Energy Monitor, their first device with full Touch Screen controls based on a 5.7 inch color LCD screen. The main innovation of this device comes from its ease of use, thanks to an excellent accessibility to all the main functionalities, allowing you to improve your productivity in the lab. Another improvement on the MAESTRO is the data transfer and storage that is now done directly on a USB key. Furthermore, the MAESTRO is also equipped with all the interfaces necessary for an easy and thorough utilization: Ethernet, RS-232, Analog Output, External Trigger and a USB com port for sending serial commands via a PC.

The Toptica iBeam smart PT with permanent fiber coupling is - like its successful “brother” iBeam smart - the ultimate choice when looking for a high-performance, ultra-reliable OEM diode laser. The true one-box solution provides highest output intensities and comes with TOPTICA’s ingenious COOLDC technology. COOLDC provides a Constant Optical Output Level even under strongly varying ambient conditions and ensures true drop-shipment capability as the laser is perfectly aligned (dura calibrated) during assembly and stays that way. Thus, the iBeam smart PT is the superior choice for demanding applications such as flow cytometry or confocal microscopy.

The Toptica iChrome MLE is a complete OEM solution for demanding multi-color applications in biophotonics. It comprises up to 4 different lasers fully integrated one compact box. The individual lasers are efficiently combined yielding highest power levels and are delivered free beam or through one SM/PM fiber. TOPTICA’s ingenious COOLAC technology ensures a Constant Optical Output Level due to push-button auto-recalibration, ensuring true drop-shipment capability and exceptional long term power stability. The microprocessor controlled system enables flexible OEM integration in instruments such as microscopes or flow cytometers. High speed analog (1 MHz) and digital modulation (20 MHz) allow fast switching of laser wavelength and intensity.

Entries poured in from around the globe
Dunedin, FL (December 10, 2010) – After collecting entries from optical sensing enthusiasts around the world, Ocean Optics has chosen the winners of its annual video and photo contest (www.oceanphotochallenge.com). Winner of the $2,500 Grand Prize in the video category, San Diego State University Student Cory Stinson, was chosen for his entry Into the Ocean of Optics and Lasers. In the photo category, Jeff Van Camp was awarded the $1,000 Grand Prize for his photo series A Quick Look Over the Shoulder.

Stinson’s winning video highlights the capabilities of an Ocean Optics spectrometer with real time experimental footage and 3D computer animation. The experimental setup measures the spectrum of a laser output in real time while the majority of the laser beam that passes directly through a beam splitter is incident on a CCD sensor to look at spatial modulation.

Neuroscience is an annual tradeshow aimed at the advancement of research on the brain and nervous system. Thorlabs exhibited at the 2010 tradeshow to display their microscopy-related products, and have reproduced their working demonstrations in an online format. Click on the booth map shown above to explore Thorlab's virtual neuroscience laboratory demonstration.

Lastek Newsletter Issue# 85 December 2010

Featuring: Voltaire, the God-particle, and the Large Hadron Collider - Laser turns 50: Rare early pics - Aerotech Vertical Motion Stages -Biophase Digital Cell Imager - Horiba Fluoromax-4 - LaVision Ultramicroscope - Leukos Systems Supercontinuum Sources - GAM Laser excimer lasers - High Finesse Wavemeter new optical fibre autocalibration feature - Ocean Optics Extended range spectrometers - CarbonVision Carbon Fibre Breadboards -& much more.

Near Infrared Spectrometers for virtually anything you can imagine

• 512-element InGaAs array detector options covering 900-1700 nm and 900-2200 nm. 256-element options covering 900-2050 nm and 900-2500 nm
• Wide range of grating and optical bench options to optimize your setup
• External hardware triggering function for capturing data when an external event occurs; or to trigger an event after data acquisition

The Ocean Optics NIRQuest series of spectrometers are small-footprint, near-infrared instruments with high-performance response that cover various ranges from 900-2500 nm. Thanks to their low-noise optoelectronics and a range of grating and bench options, NIRQuest spectrometers are ideal for demanding applications ranging from moisture detection and chemical analysis to high-resolution laser and optical fiber characterization.