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Related Concept Videos

UV–Vis Spectrometers01:14

UV–Vis Spectrometers

The absorbance of UV and visible (UV–visible) radiations is measured using a UV–visible spectrophotometer. Deuterium lamps, which emit UV radiation, and tungsten lamps, which produce radiation in the visible region, are used as light sources in UV–visible spectrophotometers. A monochromator or prism is used for diffraction grating, i.e., to split the incoming radiation into different wavelengths. A system of slits is used to focus the desired wavelength on the sample cell. Samples for...
Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview01:02

Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview

Ultraviolet–visible (UV–visible or UV–Vis) spectroscopy is an analytical technique that investigates the interaction between matter and UV–Vis light within the electromagnetic spectrum. This method is widely used for its versatility, simplicity, and relatively quick data acquisition, making it valuable for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. When UV–Vis radiation passes through a material,  molecules absorb light depending on the energy required for electronic transitions. As a result...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources01:13

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Radiation and Light Sources

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) relies on the Beer-Lambert law, which requires that the radiation source emits a narrow range of wavelengths to match the absorption characteristics of the analyte atom. The primary criteria for choosing an appropriate radiation source in AAS is to provide a precise and intense emission at specific wavelengths that will allow accurate detection of the analyte.
Two common narrow-range 'line' sources used in AAS are hollow-cathode lamps (HCLs) and...
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions01:16

UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions

In Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, the absorption of electromagnetic radiation is used to probe the electronic structure of molecules. This technique provides insights into molecular electronic transitions, particularly the movement of electrons between different molecular orbitals. Radiation is absorbed if the energy of the electromagnetic radiation passing through the molecule is precisely equal to the energy difference between the excited and ground states. During this process,...
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Beer–Lambert Law01:09

UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Beer–Lambert Law

The Beer-Lambert law describes the relationship between absorbance and concentration, which combines the principles established by scientists Johann Heinrich Lambert and August Beer. Lambert's law states that when light passes through a medium, the loss in intensity is directly proportional to the original intensity and the path length of the light. Beer's law proposed that the transmittance of a solution remains constant if the product of concentration and path length is constant. The modern...
Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview01:09

Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy: Overview

When electromagnetic radiation passes through a material, atoms or molecules transition from a lower to a higher energy state by absorbing radiation corresponding to the energy difference between the two states. The absorption of infrared (IR) radiation causes transitions between vibrational energy levels in a molecule. Therefore, IR spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for determining the molecular structure of molecules.
Different compounds display unique properties due to their...

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A Silicon-tipped Fiber-optic Sensing Platform with High Resolution and Fast Response
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Published on: January 7, 2019

Variable optical attenuator for use in the visible spectrum.

J Staromlynska, R A Clay, K F Dexter

    Applied Optics
    |May 22, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    A novel laser beam attenuator utilizes surface plasmon excitation for continuous power control. This device offers a wide dynamic range and maintains beam quality across the visible spectrum.

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    Area of Science:

    • Optics and Photonics
    • Materials Science

    Background:

    • Laser systems require precise control over beam intensity.
    • Existing attenuation methods can suffer from limitations in dynamic range, spectral coverage, or beam distortion.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To introduce a continuously variable laser beam attenuator.
    • To demonstrate an attenuator based on surface plasmon excitation.
    • To present a device with a dynamic range of 10^2 and visible spectral coverage.

    Main Methods:

    • Excitation of surface plasmons on a metallic nanostructure.
    • Modulation of light intensity through controlled plasmonic resonance.
    • Design and fabrication of a prototype attenuator.

    Main Results:

    • Demonstration of continuous laser attenuation.
    • Achieved a dynamic range of 10^2.
    • Verified operation across the visible spectral range.
    • Confirmed no beam steering or profile distortion.
    • Device capable of handling at least 1-W continuous wave (cw) power.

    Conclusions:

    • The described surface plasmon-based attenuator offers a versatile solution for laser power control.
    • The device maintains beam quality and spectral integrity.
    • Further development promises high-performance optical attenuation for various applications.