Photonics News 44
Photonics News Magazine - Issue 44
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Editorial
PN #44
Dear readers,
After falling infection rates in summer, we are once again reminded of the “new” reality at the beginning of the winter season. The hope remains that the economy will be less affected than it was this spring. We have been following all the CDC guidelines have and optimized our office processes for working remotely, in the best and most feasible way.
At LASER COMPONENTS, it is important to us that we stick to our long-term goals despite the incalculable extent of the pandemic, and an end which that is still unknown. We are using this time wisely, as we keep up with product developments and technologies, and as always, dedicated to you, our valued customers.
We recently opened a brand-new facility in Chandler, Arizona, which was ready for occupancy on schedule at the end of September, after less than twelve months of construction. The 3,000 square meter (29,000 sq. ft) building is used for the development and production of avalanche photodiodes and infrared detectors, the demand for which has multiplied in recent months. The state-of-the-art temperature and humidity-controlled cleanrooms of ISO7 class (10,000 US standard FED-STD-209E) contain airtight passages and an air shower. The new building provides space for 80 employees working in a single shift with up to 200 employees working three shifts. With more space, we have been able to double critical production equipment and expand our automated testing capacities.
In addition, investments have also been made at the production site in Germany. The facility has added another large ion beam sputtering coating system for producing high-quality laser optics. This will soon be put into operation, along with additional measuring stations, to determine absorption by means of cavity ring-down spectroscopy. Testing starts at 1064 nm; 532 and 355 nm testing is also possible. Using a set of reference mirrors, absorption values in the range of R> 99.995% can be measured at 1064 nm.
As of November 30, 2020, a completely revised concept for the measurement of single-photon counters is now available, allowing several fiber-coupled and free-beam modules to be measured and characterized simultaneously. We can now measure at 505 nm, in addition to 405 nm, 670 nm, and 804 nm, all of which are new. The beam paths are adjusted automatically, and the process flow from production to measurement has been optimized. The burn-in capacity for COUNT modules has been increased from 20 test stations to 80.
We will continue to keep you informed and updated about all updates as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Gary Hayes
General Manager, Laser Components USA, Inc.
Keeping Tabs on Climate
Beyond Borders
The Perpetual in Perpetual Ice - What Does It Mean?
Perpetual Ice is found in places that have temperatures below -30 degrees and -10 degrees, and precipitation incurs in the form of hail. It is called perpetual ice, because their geological formation composed of ridges, soils, and plateaus, is permanently covered with ice in polar regions or high mountains. This is significant in relation to our planet’s climate. Over the course of time, it has become increasingly clear that monumental changes in perpetual ice are taking place. The retreat of the sea ice is one of the top indicators of global climate change. In order to create meaningful climate models, scientists need reliable devices to measure data. Gathering much needed data in the hostile environment of the polar region, requires skilled researchers to find various solutions to this serious issue. Some researchers send recording devices, each weighing several tons, into the depths of the Arctic Ocean. Others rely on a satellite that records the thickness of the ice layers thousands of meters above the earth. In both cases, optical technologies play an important role.
Keeping Tabs on Climate
- 5000 Meters below Sea Level
The Alfred Wegener Institute’s OFOS provides high-resolution images of the seafloor. - The Winds of Climate Change
Polarizer use in the SALITRACE project of Barbados.
Renewable Energy Sources
- From Where the Wind Blows
A Munich-based start-up company is using fiber sensor technology and artificial intelligence to make wind turbines more efficient.
Environmentally Friendly Process
- Sustainable Laser Cleaning without Chemicals
Laser beams can be used to clean and process components precisely and in an environmentally friendly manner.
Photonics in Space
- Quantum Satellite Communication
Single Photon Avalanche Photodiodes join the race to develop new encryption methods.
Quality Manager’s Corner
- “How Do You Eat an Elephant?”
There is no reason to fear an audit – CQO Pius Perko explains in his column why panic is out of place.
New Products
Beyond Borders
LASER COMPONENTS USA - Your competent partner for optical and optoelectronic components in the United States.
Welcome to LASER COMPONENTS USA, Inc., your expert for photonics components. Each product in our wide range of detectors, laser diodes, laser modules, optics, and more is worth every Dollar ($/USD). Our customized solutions cover all conceivable areas of application: from sensor technology to medical technology. You can reach us here:
116 South River Road
Building C
Bedford, NH 03110
USA
Phone: +1 603 821 7040
Email: info(at)