Color wheel (optics)
The color wheel in optics refers to a visual representation of colors arranged in a circular format, illustrating the relationship between different hues and their corresponding complementaries. Initially used in art and design, the color wheel has significant relevance in the field of optics as well.
Contact image sensor
A Contact Image Sensor (CIS) is a type of imaging sensor used in devices such as scanners and cameras to capture images. Unlike traditional charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors that capture images through a lens, a CIS uses a linear array of optical sensors arranged in a linear format.
Copyscope
Copyscope is a tool designed to help users detect plagiarism and duplicate content on the internet. It allows individuals, such as writers, educators, and content creators, to analyze text for originality and identify potential instances of copied content. Copyscope typically checks documents against a vast database of published works and web pages to provide insights about content similarity. The service can be particularly useful for those in academia or industries where originality is crucial, helping to ensure that work complies with copyright and academic integrity standards.
Corona poling
Corona poling is a technique used in the field of polymer science and materials engineering to align the dipoles of certain materials, particularly ferroelectric and piezoelectric polymers. This process is typically performed in the presence of a high electric field and is often conducted in an environment where a corona discharge is generated.
Coupling parameter
The term "coupling parameter" can refer to different concepts depending on the context in which it is used. Below are a few common contexts where the term may apply: 1. **Physics and Quantum Mechanics**: In this realm, a coupling parameter often represents the strength of an interaction between particles or fields. For example, in quantum field theory, it quantifies the interaction strength in a Lagrangian or Hamiltonian.
Cross-phase modulation
Cross-phase modulation (XPM) is a nonlinear optical phenomenon that occurs in optical fibers and other nonlinear media. It arises when two or more optical signals (or channels) co-propagate through a nonlinear medium, such as a fiber optic cable. The intensity of one signal can affect the phase of another signal due to the nonlinear dependence of the refractive index on the intensity of the light.
Crystal monochromator
A **crystal monochromator** is an optical device used to select specific wavelengths (or energies) of X-rays, gamma rays, or other forms of electromagnetic radiation from a broader spectrum of wavelengths produced by a source. It relies on the principle of diffraction, where incoming radiation interacts with the regular crystal lattice structure of a crystalline material.
Cylindrical lens
A cylindrical lens is a type of lens that has a uniform curvature in one direction only, unlike a spherical lens which has curvature in two directions. This unique shape allows cylindrical lenses to focus light into a line rather than a point. Cylindrical lenses are used to correct astigmatism in eyeglasses, where light rays coming from different orientations focus at different points.
Dark current (physics)
Dark current refers to the small amount of electric current that flows through a photodetector (such as a photodiode or a CCD—charge-coupled device) even when no photons are incident on the device. This current is a result of thermally generated charge carriers and can occur in various types of detectors.
Dawes' limit
Dawes' limit is a concept in astronomy that pertains to the resolving power of optical instruments, particularly telescopes. It describes the limit at which two close objects can be distinguished as separate entities rather than appearing as a single blurred object due to diffraction.
Deep-level trap
A deep-level trap refers to a defect or impurity state within the energy band structure of a semiconductor or insulator that is located significantly deeper in the energy profile compared to the conduction band and valence band edges. These traps can capture and hold charge carriers, such as electrons or holes, and can impact the electrical, optical, and thermal properties of the material.
Delta prism
The term "Delta prism" can refer to different concepts depending on the context in which it is used. However, it is not a widely recognized term in scientific literature or common usage, so its meaning may vary. Here are a couple of possibilities: 1. **Optics**: In the context of optics, a "delta prism" could refer to a specialized prism used to manipulate light in certain ways, perhaps in optical devices or experiments.
Dioptric correction
Dioptric correction refers to the adjustments made to the optical system of an instrument, such as a telescope, microscope, or camera, to compensate for optical aberrations and ensure that light is focused properly. This term is derived from the word "diopter," which is a unit of measurement for the optical power of lenses.
Dioptrics
Dioptrics is a branch of optics that deals with the study of lenses and their ability to focus light. The term is often associated with the principles of refraction and how different optical elements, such as lenses, affect the path of light. Dioptrics is particularly concerned with the measurement of focal lengths, the design of optical systems, and applications in various fields such as vision correction (eyeglasses and contact lenses), photography, and microscopy.
Dispersion-shifted fiber
Dispersion-shifted fiber (DSF) is a type of optical fiber designed to minimize chromatic dispersion across certain wavelengths, particularly in the wavelength range commonly used for long-distance fiber optic communication, such as around 1550 nm. In conventional single-mode fibers, chromatic dispersion—a phenomenon where different wavelengths of light travel at different speeds—can lead to signal broadening over long distances, which ultimately limits the bandwidth and performance of fiber optic systems.
Domain wall (optics)
In optics, a "domain wall" typically refers to a boundary between two different regions of a material where the optical properties change, often associated with phase transitions or other phenomena. This concept is similar to the idea of domain walls in magnetism, where they separate regions of differing magnetic orientations. In the context of nonlinear optics, domain walls can play a significant role in systems with spatial or temporal modulation of refractive index, leading to phenomena such as solitons or localized modes.
Doublet (lens)
A doublet lens is an optical component consisting of two individual lenses made from different types of glass or materials, which are cemented together. The primary purpose of a doublet lens is to correct optical aberrations that can occur with single-element lenses. By combining lenses with different refractive indices and dispersion properties, a doublet can reduce chromatic aberration (color fringing) and improve image quality.
Dynameter
The term "Dynameter" can refer to a couple of different concepts, depending on the context: 1. **Measuring Instrument**: In some contexts, a "dynameter" might refer to an instrument used to measure dynamic forces, such as those found in mechanical systems or fluid dynamics. It could be associated with various applications, including engineering and physics.
Edgar Tillyer
Edgar Tillyer (1885–1966) was an American painter, photographer, and educator, best known for his work in the field of art education and for his contributions to the visual arts in the United States. He was particularly recognized for his use of light and color in painting. Tillyer was also involved in photography, capturing numerous landscapes and scenes that reflected his artistic vision.
Elmar (lens)
The Elmar is a series of camera lenses manufactured by Leica, known for their compact design and high-quality optical performance. Originally introduced in the 1920s, Elmar lenses are often associated with Leica's rangefinder cameras, particularly the M series. These lenses are characterized by their collapsible design, making them portable and easy to carry. The optical formula of Elmar lenses is typically optimized for sharpness and contrast, contributing to the distinctive image quality that Leica lenses are known for.