Exploring the Cosmos with Space-Qualified Optical Filters
Published by Andover Corporation on July 19th, 2024
In the unforgiving environment of space, the reliability and precision of optical components can make or break a mission. At Andover Corporation, we understand the unique challenges faced by space agencies, contractors, and program managers, and we are dedicated to providing space-qualified optical filters, windows, and other components that meet the highest standards of performance and durability.
Optical Coatings, IR Filters, Small Satellites, Optical Engineering, telescope, astronomy, Chalcogenide glass, chalcogenides, aerospace, Space Exploration
Celebrating Pride Month: Honoring John Burnside's Legacy of Innovation
Published by Andover Corporation on June 1st, 2024
With June 1st marking the start of Pride Month, we explore the remarkable journey of optical engineer John Burnside and his contributions to science, activism, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month with Mauna Kea Observatory
Published by Andover Corporation on May 15th, 2024
AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. This month, we turn our attention to the Mauna Kea Observatories, a collaborative body of independent astronomical sites that also hold deep cultural significance for Native Hawaiians and the broader Asian-Pacific community. By exploring the intersection of culture, science, and technology, we honor both the heritage and the advancements that define this region.
Chalcogenide Glass: Revolutionizing Defense Optics
Published by Andover Corporation on April 22nd, 2024
In the realm of optical engineering for the defense industry, innovation is paramount for maintaining a strategic edge. Chalcogenide glass has emerged as a game-changer in this field, boasting unique optical properties that make it highly desirable across various applications.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Coatings, IR Filters, Optical Engineering, Chalcogenide glass, chalcogenides, defense, targeting, thermal imaging
Thomas Grubb: Ireland's Pioneer of Telescope Design
Published by Andover Corporation on March 17th, 2024
This St. Patrick's Day, we explore the life and contributions of Ireland's own Thomas Grubb, a pioneer in optical engineering during the Victorian era.
Optical Engineering, telescope, astronomy, optics in history
Women in Optics: María Josefa Yzuel
Published by Isabella Mikols on March 8th, 2024
In this blog, Andover Corporation continues its celebration of women pioneers in optics by turning the spotlight on María Josefa Yzuel. A renowned Spanish scientist, she has been a pioneer in both research and teaching. Dr. Yzuel is a respected leader and role model in the international optics society and a longstanding advocate for the promotion of women in STEM disciplines.
Underwater Photography
Published by Isabella Mikols on October 5th, 2022
As the name suggests, Underwater Photography is the process of taking images while submerged. Often done by scuba divers, it is also practiced by surface swimmers and specialized boats.
In addition to being a visual art form, underwater photography is used to capture a vast array of data that is utilized by biologists, geologists and military scientists. Successful underwater imaging often requires specific tools, procedures, and detailed planning. It presents fascinating and uncommon imaging opportunities that cannot be found anywhere else. Popular artistic themes include marine animals, coral reefs, shipwrecks, and underwater caves.
Figure 1.0 Coral Reef
Credit: Nature TTL
THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF OPTICAL SORTING
Published by Isabella Mikols on July 27th, 2022
In our fast-paced culture, there has never been a greater need for efficient operations. When it comes to companies that support consumerism, optical sorting has been essential in accelerating the production of goods and their placement on shop shelves. From the creation of a product in a factory to its final rebirth in a recycling facility, the function of an optical sorter in our society goes full circle.
Automated optical sorting uses cameras and/or lasers to separate solid goods. The equipment can determine size, shape, color, structural features, and chemical composition based on the physical sensors employed and the software algorithms utilized. These systems are capable of recognizing a wide range of characteristics. Cameras are excellent at recognizing differences in color, size, and shape of the objects under inspection, whereas laser can detect underlying structural differences.
HISTORY
The first humans to recognize the importance of sorting were neolithic farmers who wanted to keep the best seeds for replanting. Since then, sorting has been critical to economic improvement in every phase of human endeavor by making what we do easier, faster or more efficient. While some sorting techniques make use of our sense of touch or smell, the vast majority rely on vision and the associated optics.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Designers, Optical Coatings, Optical Sorting
Angle Shift in Bandpass Filters
Published by Rob Pursel on June 3rd, 2022
All Optical Interference Bandpass Filters exhibit some degree of shift with the angle of incidence (AOI). Since the layers of a bandpass filter operate in the coherence range of the desired wavelengths, a departure of AOI from zero degrees results in the shortening of the center wavelength. To achieve the desired bandwidth, standard optical bandpass filters are designed with the minimum layer thicknesses needed in the absentee spacer layers. An example is given below (Fig. 1) of a standard bandpass filter centered at 750 nm with a bandwidth of 20 nm. One can see that the filter will still transmit the center wavelength (CWL) to a tilt of 15° AOI. This limits the function of the filter to about f/1.9 or a 30° full cone angle.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Manufacturers, Optical Filter Designers, Optical Coatings, Hyperspectral Imaging, Veterinary Optics, Pulse Oximeter, 3D Printing, Optical Prototyping, Prototyping, Angle Shift, Bandpass Filter
