An optical keyboard is a wireless device that connects to a computer and acts as a data input device. The term “optical” is a misnomer, as it refers to the connection technology in computer mice, not keyboards. Wireless keyboards offer the advantage of mobility and are affordable. An optical keyboard is a device that connects […]
An optical drive uses a laser to read or write information to a disc, and can be found in devices like DVD and Blu-ray players. The drive consists of a laser, lens, and photodiode, and uses different wavelengths for different types of media. It can read-only or record media on specific discs, and rewritable media […]
Optical mice use camera technology and digital processing to track movement, eliminating the need for a ball and roller. They require little maintenance, offer smoother performance, and work on various surfaces. They are affordable and compatible with most computers. An optical mouse uses camera technology and digital processing to compare and track the position of […]
An optical receiver converts light pulses in fiber optic networks into electrical signals that can be read by electronic devices. The receiver uses a photodiode to amplify the signal and translate it into a binary code. Different photodiode materials have varying energy level ranges. Optical transmitters and transceivers are used to transform electrical information into […]
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) visually inspects products for defects using light and a camera or scanner. AOI is used in various industries, but is most intensive in the PCB industry. AOI is faster and more accurate than manual inspection, but may not be useful for products with many variations. AOI uses a master model or […]
An optical sensor converts light into electronic signals and is part of a larger system with a measuring device, light source, and electrical trigger. It can measure variations in light intensity and work on single or distributed points. Optical sensors can be intrinsic or extrinsic and must remain sensitive to ownership. They are used in […]
Optical amplifiers directly amplify optical signals without converting them into electricity. The most common method is stimulated emission, using a gain medium to absorb and release photons. Silicon dioxide doped with rare earth elements is a common gain medium. Raman amplifiers use Raman scattering to amplify signals, and are mainly used in telecommunications technology. Optical […]
Optical spectroscopy uses light to measure an object’s chemical composition, temperature, and speed. Spectral lines in the light can identify substances, and absorption and emission spectroscopy are used in chemistry, astronomy, biology, and medicine. The Doppler effect is used to measure the speed of distant objects. Optical spectroscopy is a means of studying the properties […]
Optical mirrors reflect visible light in devices such as cameras and telescopes. They are made from glass or plastic and coated with reflective substances. Mirrors can filter out certain wavelengths of light and split light in different directions. They are used in personal mirrors, microscopes, telescopes, and laser-based devices. An optical mirror is a type […]
An optical pyrometer is a non-contact thermometer that measures high temperatures from a distance using various techniques, including detecting thermal radiation. It can read extremely hot items and hard-to-reach equipment and has an internal computer that eliminates data errors and alerts operators to potential problems. However, some designs rely on user judgment to compare color […]
Optical radiation includes ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation, and can be emitted by artificial lighting devices. Exposure to certain types of radiation can be harmful to human health, so it is important to understand and regulate it in workplaces. The European Parliament and Council have issued a directive on artificial optical radiation to ensure safety […]
Chiral enantiomers are mirror images of each other that can rotate polarized light in different directions. Optical activity is measured using a polarimeter and is important in identifying the dominant chiral form of molecules, such as in pharmaceuticals. Optical activity occurs in both organic and inorganic molecules. The molecules of a single substance often have […]
Optical benches are smaller versions of optical tables used for classroom demonstrations. They are not suitable for serious scientific research due to their small size and susceptibility to external vibrations. View cameras are easy to assemble and operate, making them ideal for teaching optics principles. They are available for purchase from scientific equipment suppliers and […]
Optical computing uses light instead of electricity to perform calculations, but requires more power over short distances. It has potential for large supercomputers and could be faster than current computers. Harvard researchers have found a way to flip a log using a single photon, a milestone for efficient optical computation. The technology is still in […]
Optical lab technicians create eyeglasses and other optical lenses, working in retail locations or ophthalmologist’s offices. They use ophthalmic instruments to grind and polish lenses, insert them into frames, and perform final fittings. Technicians also manufacture lenses for other devices and perform repair work. An optical laboratory technician is a trained employee responsible for creating […]
Optical density measures light absorption and transmission in objects, used in science and engineering to determine material properties. Scientists use it to study cells and bacteria, measured with a spectrophotometer. Optical density is calculated using a mathematical formula. In the most general sense of the term, optical density measures how much light an object absorbs […]
Chiral molecules have different atomic configurations and cannot be superimposed. Optical isomers affect plane-polarized light and can be tested using a polarimeter. They are found in amino acids, sugars, and proteins and can be used to measure purity and separate substances in scientific research. Two molecules of the same chemical composition can be built with […]
Optical illusions occur when information gathered by the human eye is translated in the brain to produce a visual illusion. They can be used in games, therapy, and art. The brain processes visual data based on an individual’s life experience, which can lead to recognizable objects in inkblots or images appearing after staring at a […]
To become an optical engineer, one needs a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics. A master’s or doctoral degree can provide more job opportunities and higher salaries. Science and math classes in high school can prepare for this career. Internships and cooperative studies can provide practical skills. […]
Optical engineers research and develop new technologies related to light, working with microscopes, computer chips, telecommunications lines, and consumer electronics. They need to be familiar with the properties of light and optics, as well as math, physics, chemistry, and electricity. They work in teams to create schematics, build prototypes, and test successful technologies for mass […]
