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Chapter 1 The Optics of the Point Source Microscope (PSM)
This chapter introduces the Point Source Microscope (PSM) as a multipurpose optical metrologyinstrument. For those already familiar with the PSM, many of the following concepts may seemstraightforward. However, for new users—or those with limited background in optics—theoperation and capabilities of the instrument are not immediately obvious. Even experienced usersmay not fully appreciate certain aspects of […]
Optical Alignment for Quantum Computing: Why Precision Matters More Than You Think
Quantum computing companies face a brutal optical alignment challenge. Misalignment in a camera lens blurs your photos. Misalignment in a quantum system destroys qubit coherence and crashes gate fidelity below usable levels. The problem isn’t just tighter tolerances. It’s that quantum systems are spread across optical tables where every element needs independent adjustment in five […]
Why is Tucson called Optics Valley?
Since it’s Women’s History month, a question from my lawyer (a woman) about why Tucson is called “Optics Valley” reminded me of two influential women who are largely responsible for that legacy. The first is Lavinia Steward of Oracle, Arizona, who made the largest private donation to the University of Arizona up to that time […]
Alignment Chapters Take 2
Practical Optical Alignment with the Point Source Microscope In optical design, the concept of an optical axis is basic, it exists naturally within the description of the system. In the laboratory, however, the optical axis does not exist until it is physically established through measurements and alignment. Optical components must be positioned and oriented relative […]
Chapter 28 Another use for the Bessel beam
We recently began assembling a 10.6 µm interferometer using a CO₂ laser as the coherent light source. Because most CO₂ lasers are designed for materials processing, their output power is far greater than is practical—or safe—for interferometry. Even after inserting a wire-grid polarizer immediately after the laser, our initial alignment attempts resulted in a burned […]
Recent Posts
- Bessel beam alignment of a single, partially constrained lens element
- Understanding Opto-Mechanical Alignment in Optical System Design
- Choosing Between Portable and Lab-Based Optical Metrology Systems
- Choosing Between Interferometers and PSMs for Your Optical Lab
- The Point Source Microscope, a unique autocollimator