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Key Takeaways Optics for LiDAR and sensing are crucial for a LiDAR system, which uses a laser to measure distances by calculating the time it takes for light to return—essentially answering what is LiDAR. LiDAR technology has advanced from its early use in satellite tracking to applications in mapping and autonomous vehicles. Modern LiDAR systems utilize various lasers, including 1550 nm Er-doped fiber lasers and 534 nm or 1064 nm lasers for different environments. Custom optics, including bandpass filters, are essential for optimizing LiDAR performance and controlling background noise. Advancements and Accessibility in Optics for LiDAR Technology Optics for LIDAR and sensing are far more affordable today than they were just ten years ago, and the technology is currently accessible to almost anyone. In fact, if you carry around a newer iPhone Pro, you’ve got your own mini LIDAR system, though it may be there more as a novelty than for any practical purpose. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) was first introduced in 1961, not long after the laser was invented, as a method to track satellites by measuring the time it took for a laser signal to return. A LiDAR altimeter was used to map the surface of the moon in 1971, but the device was enormous, expensive, and gave subpar results. Today, improved technology is used to create maps, elucidate archeological sites, and provide the vision needed for autonomous vehicles. But that’s just a few of the thousands of uses of this key photonic technology. But just what is LiDAR, and what optics are needed for a successful, high performance system? That’s what we’ll look at here. First questions first: what is LiDAR, and how does it work? What Is LiDAR? A LiDAR system is the photonic analagy of radar. Light from a precisely directed, rapidly firing laser is bounced off an object or terrain. On its return, time of flight calculations give the exact distance between two points, information that can be used to create detailed 3D models or topographical maps. LiDAR mapping is derived from time of flight calculations on laser light. Laser for LiDAR A LiDAR system can be designed to use UV, vis, or NIR lasers. The laser selected depends on the objects being surveyed and the environment the imaging takes place in. Non-scientific applications typically use 600-1000 nm lasers, but care must be taken since these wavelengths can be damaging to the human eye. Er-doped fiber 1550 nm lasers are the preferred option for many military applications, as they are both relatively eye-safe and not visible to night vision goggles. They are also used for topography mapping, measuring distance, and obstacle avoidance, but they rely on InGaAs sensors and are therefore more expensive to use LIDAR based on lower-wavelength lasers. LiDAR can use eye safe Er -doped fiber 1550 nm lasers to generate topographic maps like these. For underwater and bathymetry applications, you need a laser that has good transmission in pure water as well as limited backscattering from the small particles that will be encountered in seawater. we recommend 534 nm frequency-doubled diode pumped YA lasers. These lasers penetrate water with minimal attenuation. For airborne topographic mapping, 1064 nm diode-pumped YAG lasers are preferable. Other key laser parameters key to your LiDAR setup include pulse repetition rate, laser power consumption, and beam divergence. You will also need to choose between flash LiDAR, in which the whole field of view is illuminating at once, or more conventional scanning LiDAR which goes over the field of view point by point. Controlling the Spectral Width with Bandpass Filters When laser at 1064 nm is used for long range airborne LiDAR systems, one challenge to be overcome involves the high levels of background noise created by radiance from the sun. Signal to noise ratio can be increased by fitting the LiDAR receiver with a narrow bandpass filter. Harsh environmental conditions necessitate a robust filter that can perform consistently and reliably. Multilayer thin film coatings that provide transmission narrowly matching the laser wavelength are often chosen. When narrow linewidth meter-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) based pulsed lasers are used, the central wavelength is determined by the seeding laser pulse but is affected by numerous diode conditions (temperature stabilization, drive current, and pulse repetition rate, among others). Wavelength control is no longer simple, and in this situation a bandpass filter should be chosen with a band wide enough to allow for any expected wavelength shifts. Custom LiDAR Systems At Avantier, we focus on custom optics that are tailor-made to meet our customers’ exact specifications. LiDAR is one field where there is no one size fits all, and if you try to fit a ready-made solution into your application you’re sure to run into frustration. A better option is to work with our optical engineers and designers to order a system custom-made to your specifications. Sound intriguing? Contact us today to start exploring your possibilities or set up an initial consult with one of our experts in LiDAR technologies. Related Content
Key Takeaways The 25X objective lens in mass spectrometers ensures high resolution and excellent imaging quality in both high and low temperature conditions, significantly benefiting materials science research. Its enhanced magnification allows precise observation and analysis, crucial for fields like earth science, environmental science, and metallurgy. The lens’s advanced design reduces production costs while maintaining superior performance, making it highly competitive in the market. Optimized for extreme environments, the lens meets stringent adhesion and sealing standards, ensuring long-term stability and reliability in various scientific applications. Versatile Applications and Impact of the 25X Objective Lens The 25X objective lens is used in Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) systems and significantly impact diverse fields such as earth science, environmental science, metallurgy, semiconductors, and materials science. Its enhanced magnification enables more precise observation and analysis of microscopic samples, offering researchers extensive opportunities for detailed exploration. This 25x objective lens is used in a lot of domains, underscoring its importance in refining resolution, in accurate detection, and in the advancement of the comprehension of material properties. This lens proves to be indispensable in contributing to both scientific research and technological progress. Project Overview This custom designed 25X objective lens, used for the mass spectrometer system, is well-suited for instruments dedicated to the research of the separation and detection of various isotopes. Operating on the principle of charged particles being deflected in an electromagnetic field, the lens facilitates the separation and detection of substances based on differences in the mass of material atoms, molecules, or molecular fragments. This capability enables a detailed analysis of the composition of substances, which contribute to advancements in understanding the mass spectrometer of different isotopes. Polychromatic Diffraction MTF Ensuring high resolution in both high and low temperature environments Ensuring high resolution in both high and low temperature environments is crucial for this project, especially with special requirements for adhesion and for the bonding process, directly impacting the sealing and dust-free within the objective lens. This imposes stringent requirements on our equipment. In high temperature environments, materials must resist heat expansion and maintain structural integrity. Advanced cooling systems and thermal insulation are typically employed to stabilize the equipment. In low temperature environments, the prevention of freezing of instrument components and the ensuring of consistent performance are paramount. Material insulation and effective temperature control mechanisms are utilized to prevent temperature induced deformations. The entire adhesion and sealing process adheres to high standards to ensure stable equipment operation in extreme temperature conditions. Adhesive Selection: Selecting suitable adhesives is critical for high and low temperature environments. In high temperatures, adhesives need excellent heat resistance, resistance to expansion, and minimal decomposition. In low temperatures, adhesives should possess good flexibility and resistance to becoming brittle, ensuring adhesion is maintained even in extremely cold conditions. Bonding Process: The bonding process requires precise control to ensure uniform adhesive application and reliable sealing. In high temperature environments, attention must be given to adhesive flow characteristics and curing time to prevent uneven application or loss during the process. In low temperature environments, it’s essential to ensure that adhesive coating and adhesion properties are not affected by temperature variations. Sealing Integrity: Sealing integrity during the bonding process is crucial, especially in high and low temperature conditions. Sealing not only affects equipment performance but also prevents external particles and dust from entering the system, ensuring long-term stability. Dust-Free Requirements: The bonding process needs to be conducted in a dust-free environment to prevent dust and particles from entering the adhesive coating, affecting the sealing effectiveness. This may require work to be conducted in a clean or similar environment, so there is the need to implement appropriate measures to ensure workplace cleanliness. Lens Performance Through our meticulously optimized design, our product exhibits significant advantages over objective lenses from word leading companies. Firstly, we have successfully reduced production costs, enhancing the competitiveness of our lenses in the market. By employing intelligent design processes and efficient manufacturing technologies, we have streamlined production costs, providing customers with a more cost-effective choice. Secondly, we focus on elevating imaging quality by optimizing optical configurations and by utilizing high-quality lens materials. Our lenses deliver clearer and more authentic image reproduction, which enhancs users’ observational experiences and practicality in the fields of materials science and molecular research. High Resolution: Avantier employs advanced technological approaches, utilizing precise manufacturing processes and optimized optical components to achieve higher resolution levels. This ensures our lenses can accurately depict microscopic structures and details, offering a reliable tool for materials science and molecular research. Manufacturing Processes: Avantier has further optimized product assembly processes, particularly in specialized sealing, adhesive application, and meeting high dust-free requirements. This results in our company’s products boasting higher resolution, a larger field of view, and an extended working distance in both high and low temperature environments, thus catering to the demanding needs of materials science and molecular research. Conclusion The 25X objective lens significantly enhances mass spectrometer applications in earth science, environmental science, metallurgy, semiconductors, and materials science. With an optimized design, it ensures high resolution in diverse temperatures while meeting stringent adhesion and sealing standards. Outperforming competitors, our lens not only reduces costs but also elevates imaging quality, so it excels in materials science and molecular research. Its indispensable role makes it a valuable asset for scientific advancements. Additionally, the incorporation of features like a large NA(numerical aperture), a long working distance, a high resolution, and a wider FOV(field of view) enhances the lens’s overall performance in meeting the demands of modern research and technology. Related Content
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