New Products

NASA Tech Briefs, Sep 2004

Product of the Month

MEMS-Based OSA Module

Anritsu Company (Morgan Hill, CA) offers an advanced optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) module based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology that delivers a high-speed scan rate (2.6 ms) and a wide scan wavelength range (1525 to 1570 nm). It provides a solution for high-speed dynamic spectrum monitoring in connection with FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensors and photonic networks. Additional capabilities include a high dynamic range of 33 dB, wavelength resolution bandwidth of 0.1 nm, and wavelength accuracy of 10 pm.

This unique OSA module application consists of a MEMS optical scanner, lenses, Faraday rotator, diffraction grating, and photo diode. The wavelength of light reaching the photo diode is determined by the angle of the MEMS scanner and can be changed continuously by rotating the MEMS scanner. A Faraday rotator erases polarization dependency of the diffraction grating when measuring an unknown polarized input.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/3058-200

Diode Lasers

The high resolution Cleanlaze(TM) 785 nm diode laser from B&W Tek (Newark, DE) is a compact, high power laser designed for Raman spectroscopy applications. The laser is suitable for analytical and industrial use and can be custom engineered for special configurations. The series provides a linewidth as narrow as 0,05 nm FWHM, high mode stability over a wide temperature range, and a TTL modulation port, which can accept a modulation control input of up to 100 KHz. An integrated laser driver, thermoelectric cooler, TEC controller, and high brightness fiber coupling are included, in addition to a hermetically sealed laser component.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/3058-202

Laser Ultrasonic Receiver

Lasson Technologies' (Culver City, CA) AIR-532 Laser Ultrasonic Receiver for component inspection and non-destruction evaluation of material properties has been completely redesigned, and is available in two versions AIR-532-TWM (Two-Wave Mixing) and ATR-532-EMF (Electro-Motive Force). The receivers utilize proprietary photorefractive technology and feature shock-mounted optics for improved stability, fiber coupling to a selection of compact sensor heads, and a new chassis designed for benchtop use or compatibility with standard 19" rack mount industrial cabinets. Applications include material thickness, weld and electronic package inspection, and defect location and characterization.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/3058-205

LED Indicators

The SSF-LXH4RA series of right-angle LED indicators from Lumex Inc. (Palatine, IL) can be mounted to a printed circuit board without any additional spacers, mounting hardware, or assembly time. They are also re-lampable, allowing virtually any standard two-leaded LED to be installed before or after the sockets have been soldered to the board. Nine different standard units are available in either low-current (I^sub t^=2 mA) or standard-current (I^sub t^=20 mA) with LED colors and types including red, green, yellow, bi-color red/green, and blinking red. Applications include backlighting, status, and fault indicators. Custom variations also available.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/3058-208

Proximity Sensors

Edmund Industrial Optics (Barrington, NJ) offers photoelectric proximity sensors used for triggering automated events, cameras, or kill switches in industrial safety systems among other applications. Four different sensor types provide working distances from 15 mm to 6 m. All the sensors have rugged industrial housings, fit a universal mount, and include sensitivity adjustment. The Diffuse Sensor captures light from an 880 nm LED reflected off a target. The Diffuse Sensor with Background Correction removes the possibility of false positives. The Reflex Sensor uses a polarized 660-nm LED and a cornercube retroreflector. The Through-Beam Sensor separates the 880-nm LED emitter from the receiver.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/3058-203

Photonic Crystal Fiber

Newport Corp. (Irvine, CA) offers a family of Ytterbium-doped PCF (photonic crystal fiber) products for fiber laser applications in several core sizes (up to 40 microns). These new F-DC dual clad fibers enable high output power levels in a single spatial mode format. Key aspects include an outer cladding media of air rather than plastic and a core with a structured PCF cross-section rather than a simple cylinder of silica. Some fibers are available co-doped with photosensitive materials, allowing fiber grating inscription with an ultraviolet laser.

For Free Info Visit http://info.ims.ca/3058-206

CO2 Laser

Access Laser Company (Marysville, WA) offers a small, portable, line tunable, and stabilized CO2 laser, the Lasy-4G. Designed for laboratory and mobile instrumentation, the laser is easy to setup, uses a 12 VDC power source that eliminates electrical hazards, and has a sealed package that allows longer operation periods without the need for servicing. Nominal output power is 200 mW at higher power lines among its more than 40 lines between 9.2 - 11.8 µm. Options include stabilization, automated tuning, single wavelength, and more.