MIT engineers recently designed a tunable “metalens” that can zero in on objects at multiple depths. The lens, constructed from a transparent “phase-changing” material capable of rearranging its atomic structure after heating, is capable of transforming how its material interacts with light. The invention is a breakthrough in the field of photonics. Traditionally, changing the […]
In 2020, photonics researchers used the finite element method (FEM) to make a number of exciting discoveries in the field of optics. As discussed in a previous post, FEM is a numerical solution that breaks down a much larger, complex problem into a series of smaller ones (“finite elements”) in order to make the overall […]
The majority of medical, scientific, and industrial applications utilize high-power diode-lasers (HPDLs). Due to the common use of HPDLs, it’s more important than ever to prevent optical and physical malfunctions in high-power laser packages. However, as laser technology has become more advanced, HPDL output power has gotten larger, and with it, the waste-heat energy density […]
Optical lenses are vital components to the manufacturing and labeling of goods. For example, optical lenses are found in electronic devices like smartphones and laptops. They’re also used to make logos and graphics on hardware as well as other kinds of markings commonly found on commercial products and food packaging. These markings are created by […]
The optics and photonics fields are creating groundbreaking applications for astronomy, telecommunications, sensing, chemistry, biomedical research & development. Recently, researchers from Pennsylvania State University demonstrated how metasurfaces with unparalleled controllability of light may be able to transform traditional optics. To do so, they used a simulation that applied the finite element method (FEM). As discussed […]
