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In our previous articles we learned that optical materials are defined by their ability to refract and disperse light, as well as, the physical characteristics of the material itself. Using these properties, an optical designer determines which material, or often times several different materials, best suit the intended purpose of their system. But choosing a material is only the first step in the process. More often than not, a simple polished surface that is smooth and defect free to the unaided eye, would cause any number of unwanted optical effects when assembled into a fully integrated system. It is important...

We’ve reached a crossroads in our discussion of the concepts in light and optics.  Previously, we learned that optical materials are manufactured to have very specific refractive and dispersive properties, and it is these characteristics that optical designers rely upon to manipulate light to a desired purpose.  We’ve also discussed that material properties such as stress, fluorescence, coefficient of thermal expansion and homogeneity play a large role in how an optic behaves when incorporated into a fully integrated system.  But once an appropriate material has been chosen, whether for use as a lens, window, prism, or mirror (among others), how...

Save the Date! The 17th annual Western NY Optics Golf Tournament is scheduled for Thursday July 20th, 2017 in Rochester, NY. Registration information will be posted soon. Esco Optics is proud to be a leading sponsor of this charitable event which has grown to be the largest annual optics golf event in the United States. All proceeds benefit the newly constructed Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, NY. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital.aspx Last year, the event raised $36K for a cumulative total of more than $300K. Pictured: Ron, Amanda and Diane Schulmerich with Danielle Bechtold of Optipro Systems

Esco Optics exhibited once again at 2017 SPIE Photonics West - the premier show for optical components supporting the areas of biomedical optics and biophotonics, industrial lasers and laser sources, optoelectronics devices and materials, nano-photonics and MEOMS-MEMs. Here’s a recap of this year’s record breaking convention: By the numbers, this was the largest turnout for SPIE, at just over 23,000 scientists, researchers, engineers, students and others attended. Of that, 6,500 were conference attendees, 9,000 exhibition-only visitors, 7,600 exhibitor representatives and more than 1,380 exhibiting companies from around the globe. In addition to the attendance numbers, over 200 new product launches...