Women in Optics: María Josefa Yzuel
Published by Isabella Mikols on December 1st, 2022
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
Detecting Counterfeits with Optical Filters
Published by Isabella Mikols on May 5th, 2022
For centuries, forgery has been a problem that numerous industries encounter, some more than others, and the problem still exists today. Over time, optics have been improved upon and utilized to detect counterfeit items, helping to remove them from circulation. In this blog, we’ll discuss how optics are used in the detection and prevention of counterfeits in currency and artwork.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Manufacturers, Optical Filter Designers, Optical Coatings, Laminated Filters, IR Filters, counterfeit detection
3D Printing Enables Fabrication Agility
Published by Nick Sullivan on March 22nd, 2022
In recent years, 3D printing has exploded in popularity with both businesses and hobbyists alike, due to rapid improvements in the technology and the ever-increasing affordability of owning and operating a system. While 3D printing cannot yet replace traditional manufacturing for most production parts, it has become an extremely effective tool for conceptualization, prototyping, custom tooling, and display modeling for presentations and trade shows.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Manufacturers, Optical Filter Designers, Optical Coatings, Hyperspectral Imaging, Veterinary Optics, Pulse Oximeter, 3D Printing, Optical Prototyping, Prototyping
Optical Filters in Veterinary Medicine
Published by Dixie Richards on February 11th, 2022
The connection that humans have with their pets is quite similar to the affection people feel towards their children. For many, house pets are core members of our families. That being said, routine veterinary care for pets is becoming just as common as routine doctor appointments for any traditional family member.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Manufacturers, Optical Filter Designers, Optical Coatings, Hyperspectral Imaging, Veterinary Optics, Pulse Oximeter
Smart Farming Relies on Custom Optical Systems
Published by Isabella Mikols on January 17th, 2022
In Andover’s continuing series of blogs on our served markets, we look at how optics technology is impacting agriculture.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Designers, Optical Coatings, IR Filters, Precision Farming, Hyperspectral Imaging, Smart Farming, Precision Agriculture, Drones in Agriculture, smart agriculture, smart farming technologies
Parallel Design Approach Shortens Concept-to-Product for SmallSats
Published by Joshua Jones on December 1st, 2021
Parallel Design Approach Shortens Concept-to-Product Timeline for Small Satellites
Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Manufacturers, Optical Coatings, Laminated Filters, NHEmployment, Small Satellites
There’s a Lot to Like About Working in New Hampshire
Published by Dixie Richards on November 17th, 2021
Andover Corporation is now located in Salem, New Hampshire, but we haven’t always been here. The company relocated in 1982 and the decision was more than just a financial one. It was also a lifestyle and wellness opportunity. Our 40 employees enjoy the best of both worlds, with the “great outdoors” at their fingertips and the attractions of big city life both within an hour’s drive.
Optical Filters, Best Optical Filter, Optical Filter Designers, Optical Coatings, JobsInNH, NHEmployment
