Photonic, Optical
and Laser Systems

A vial of SwRI-produced quantum dots -- small collections of atoms that have unique properties – is seen glowing in the infrared camera monitor. The dots are excited by a laser, while a probe is used to characterize their emission spectrum.

The Applied Physics Division has experience in a broad range of laser and electro-optics applications. Well-equipped laboratories contain state-of-the-art lasers, spectrometers, optics benches, instrumentation, and specialized support equipment. In addition to laboratory measurements and simulations, SwRI has significant experience in specialized field measurements. Interdisciplinary projects with other divisions are routinely supported. SwRI also holds a number of patents involving optical technology.

Dr. Ralph Hill, Institute Scientist
Joe Mitchell, Senior Research Engineer
 

Major technical areas include:

Optical Sensing and Spectroscopy

Thermal imaging is used to remotely measure the temperature of objects. Note the warm forehead and cold fingers.

Optical systems provide a non-contact method for inspection, measurement, and detection. Spectroscopic methods provide further characterization to identify specific properties of materials and objects.

• 3D measurement and identification of objects
• Velocity measurements of projectiles
• Emission spectra of optical sources
• Absorption and transmission of coatings and materials
• Hyperspectral imaging
• Raman spectroscopy for measurement of the structure and chemical composition of matter.

Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet (UV) Imaging

Imaging outside of the visible spectrum can reveal properties of an object or an environment that are not apparent to the eye.

• Structural inspections
• Circuit board failure analysis
• Remote temperature measurement
• Inspection of powerline components for corona (UV) and heating (IR)
• UV plume detection
• Corrosion measurement

Light Delivery Systems

A terahertz imaging and spectroscopy station was developed for imaging and nondestructive inspection.

Many systems developed by SwRI require optical components to emit or detect light. These systems vary from breadboard-mounted optics to complete, custom machined solutions.

• Broadly tunable diode lasers
• Fiber optics research
• Custom camera optics
• Design of ultra-fast systems to generate terahertz radiation
• UV laser holography
• Long-range light delivery and collection

Laser-Induced Fluorescence

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is a method for detection of selected molecular species. Typically, a laser excites a material and the fluorescence signal is measured spectroscopically.

Laser-induced fluorescence emission from a flask of beer. The bluish laser beam was made visible by a double exposure. The fluorescence is the whitish light emitted from the beer. Spectrometer in the background makes quantitative measurements.

• Detection of foreign material in food products
• Inspection of polymer degradation
• Photocharacterization of abnormal tissue and other medical applications
• Measurement of degradation of jet fuels

Laser Safety Consultation Services

Photonics Systems Patents

• Inspection of polymer degradation (U.S. Patent 4,802,762)
• Foreign material in food products (U.S. Patent 4,866,283)
• Abnormal tissue and other medical applications  (U.S. Patent 4,852,579)  
• Jet fuel degradation  (U.S. Patent 5,198,871)
• Quantum effects applications  (U.S. Patent 5,850,285)
• Optical surface profiling (U.S. Patent 7,061,628)
   

Electromechanical and Optical Systems Department Applied Physics
SwRI Technical Divisions SwRI Home

November 18, 2009