The Ealing Learning Center
From the early days, the Ealing Catalog had a goal to educate customers on the deep technical details of their products. With that in mind we are re-introducing technical details that could be found in the older catalogs. We feel these are still relevant today and can help you better understand the theory of how Ealing products work, best practices for handling the products, as well as other relevant technical information.
We welcome you to the Ealing Learning Center.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Optics
Selecting a Single Lens
In this section we discuss the key parameters to consider when choosing a single lens: Focal Length, Diameter, Material and Form. There are several variations of lens forms including concave, convex, meniscus, Fresnel and achromatic doublet lenses.
In this section we discuss the key parameters to consider when choosing a single lens: Focal Length, Diameter, Material and Form. There are several variations of lens forms including concave, convex, meniscus, Fresnel and achromatic doublet lenses.
Optical Materials
A discussion of Optical Glass (BK7, LaSFN9, F2, SF10), Calcium Fluoride, Germanium, Zinc Selenide, Sapphire and their benefits in optical components.
A discussion of Optical Glass (BK7, LaSFN9, F2, SF10), Calcium Fluoride, Germanium, Zinc Selenide, Sapphire and their benefits in optical components.
Opto-Mechanics
Micropositioners
Range of Travel, Size, Load, Resolution, Micrometer type and other specs to consider when choosing a Micropositioner.
Micropositioners
Range of Travel, Size, Load, Resolution, Micrometer type and other specs to consider when choosing a Micropositioner.
How They Go Together
Several examples of how to organize and connect Ealing opto-mechanics in order to best Build Your Concept.
Several examples of how to organize and connect Ealing opto-mechanics in order to best Build Your Concept.
OPTICAL THEORY
Geometrical Image Formation
We start with a brief introduction to the theory underlying basic geometrical image formation, in order to point out the importance of paraxial optics and aberrations.
We start with a brief introduction to the theory underlying basic geometrical image formation, in order to point out the importance of paraxial optics and aberrations.
Paraxial Optics
An example is given using the principles of Paraxial Optics.
An example is given using the principles of Paraxial Optics.
Two Lens Combinations
Two lens combination diagrams and examples.
Two lens combination diagrams and examples.
Raytracing
Paraxial raytracing through multi-lens systems consisting of thin lenses.
Paraxial raytracing through multi-lens systems consisting of thin lenses.
Diffraction
Fundamental limits to the resolving power or spot size due to the influence of diffraction.
Fundamental limits to the resolving power or spot size due to the influence of diffraction.
Abberations
A description of various optical aberrations: Chromatic, Seidal, Primary Spherical, Primary Coma, Distortion, Astigmatism and Field Curvature
A description of various optical aberrations: Chromatic, Seidal, Primary Spherical, Primary Coma, Distortion, Astigmatism and Field Curvature
Doublets
Cemented Achromatic Doublets offer greatly improved color correction to single BK7 components. In addition, they have superior imaging performance even for monochromatic imagery
Cemented Achromatic Doublets offer greatly improved color correction to single BK7 components. In addition, they have superior imaging performance even for monochromatic imagery
Overall System Considerations
Consider the following when constructing your optical system: System Packaging Requirements and Field of View, Spectral Bandwidth and Transmission, System Resolution and Aberrations, Environmental
Consider the following when constructing your optical system: System Packaging Requirements and Field of View, Spectral Bandwidth and Transmission, System Resolution and Aberrations, Environmental
OPTICAL COMPONENTS
Prisms are blocks of optical material having flat polished faces. They can be used for light inversion, reversion, deviation, displacement, and dispersion. We cover various prisms types including Right Angle, Equilateral, Anamorphic Prism Pairs, Penta, Dove, Brewster, and Littrow.
Polarization can be a complex subject. In this section we will cover selecting a polarizing component as well as specifics on Glan Laser Polarizers, Glan Taylor Polarizers, Waveplates (Retardation Plates), Beampslitter Cubes, and more.
BEST PRACTICES
Cleaning Optics
The most appropriate method of cleaning depends on three main factors - the material from which the component is made, the type of coating and the nature of the contamination on the component. In this sections we outline some important considerations for cleaning.
Cleaning Optics
The most appropriate method of cleaning depends on three main factors - the material from which the component is made, the type of coating and the nature of the contamination on the component. In this sections we outline some important considerations for cleaning.