NEWS
When should you use aspheric lenses in machine vision systems?
Knight Optical. Machine vision systems are expected to capture sharp, repeatable images for inspection, measurement, identification, and automated decision-making. As image quality requirements become more demanding, optical designers often face a common question: should the system incorporate aspheric lenses? While spherical lenses remain widely used, they can introduce optical aberrations that limit imaging performance. Aspheric…
Save the Date: SPIE Photonics West
Find the providers of the best solutions, components, instruments, and system support from around the world. Companies offer an inside look into their portfolio of products and services. Find top suppliers, explore product and company capabilities, and build partnerships that will advance your work. The 2027 Photonics West Exhibition covers two locations at The Moscone…
Li-Fi TinySpot: Compact, Ultra-Low-Power Optical Data Link
Fraunhofer IPMS presents Li-Fi TinySpot, a miniaturized, energy-efficient optical transceiver for wireless data communication in applications with limited power supply, such as sensors, wearables, and embedded devices. The transceiver supports bidirectional full-duplex communication at data rates of up to 20 Mbps over distances from a few centimeters to several meters. Its compact form factor, low…
VibroOne+ by Polytec
The Polytec VibroOne+ laser Doppler vibrometer is the one-box solution for non-contact vibration measurement. With VibroOne+ you analyze acoustics, dynamics and vibration issues in both R&D and industrial quality control with laser precision. VibroOne+ comprises an all-in-one front-end with integrated laser and a fiber-coupled, compact sensor head. Integrated with the VibroLink digital interface and the…
Meet Knight Optical at Space Tech Expo Europe 2026
Knight Optical is exhibiting at Space Tech Expo Europe 2026, taking place from 17 to 19 November 2026 in Bremen, Germany. Visitors can find the team at Hall 7, Stand Z35, where the team will be available to discuss precision optical components for space, aerospace, scientific, and imaging applications. As mission requirements continue to evolve,…
Record participation at W3+ Fair Jena showcasesCentral Germany’s innovative strength
W3+ Fair Jena. Jena, 28 September 2026. W3+ Fair Jena has further strengthened its position as one of Thuringia’s most important technology events – in Germany’s leading photonics hub. On 23 and 24 September 2026, the Sparkassen-Arena was transformed for the fourth time into a vibrant marketplace for professionals from photonics, optics, electronics and mechanics….
COMPANIES
Megacold Cryochillers – and how they meet the F-GAS regulations
High-tech manufacturers are coming under increasing pressure to conform to climate rules. Ben White, Product Manager, explains how Megatech keeps them on the right side of the regulations High-tech manufacturing – whether of semiconductor chips, optical coatings for glasses, or a range of other products – often requires the controlled environment of a vacuum chamber….
Optical Interference Filters and Holographic Diffraction Gratings by SPECTROGON
A world-leading manufacturer with decades of expertise supplying superior optical filters and holographic diffraction gratings for high-demand applications. Optical Interference Filters SPECTROGON designs and manufactures thin film filters supporting various high-demand applications including gas analysis, thermal imaging, defense/surveillance, gas/flame detection, process control, power distribution, medical, automotive, semiconductor, environmental monitoring, distance measurement, scanning system, food/beverage and…
SmarAct – Your Partner for High Precision in Positioning, Automation and Metrology
With market-leading solutions in high-precision positioning, micro-automation, and metrology, SmarAct empowers researchers and innovators to achieve unprecedented levels of precision and productivity in their fields. SmarAct’s extensive product portfolio – including single-axis positioning stages, complex parallel kinematics, miniaturized robots, control systems, and advanced measurement technology – is complemented by automated micro-assembly solutions. Each solution is…
OPTAplus BG JSC – the trusted manufacturer of optical and fine mechanical components
About us OPTAplus provides to its customers complete optical solutions, from various types of optical and fine mechanical components and assemblies to design and optimization of opto-mechanical systems. The company is situated in Sofia, Bulgaria where for more than 70 years there have been traditions in manufacturing of custom precision optics and opto-mechanical components and…
Bühler Alzenau GmbH
As one of the world leaders in thin film technology, Bühler Leybold Optics, is developing and manufacturing vacuum deposition equipment for a broad range of applications. As part of Bühler Group, Bühler Leybold Optics is a globally active high-tech company, present in more than 40 countries with main production facilities in Alzenau (Germany), Beijng (China)…
SPECTARIS – German Industry Association for Optics, Photonics, Analytical and Medical Technologies
SPECTARIS is the German industry association for the high-tech medium-sized business sector and representative body in the areas of Photonics, Medical Technology, Analytical, Bio and Laboratory Technology, and Consumer Optics. Innovation and growth characterise these industry sectors and their about 300,000 strong workforce. Technologies developed here are used in almost all branches of industry, making…
advanced fiber tools GmbH
customized medical solutions advanced fiber tools GmbH is your reliable partner for high-quality fiber optic products, especially developed for medical and scientific applications. Driven by the highest quality standards and a spirit of innovation, we manufacture customized solutions precisely tailored to the needs of our customers. Our company operates a process-oriented quality management system in…
OASYS – Focused on optical components
The OASYS GmbH was founded in 1992 as a supplier of optical components for the laser industrie. In the meantime the product line was extended to standard- and special optics for all kind of applications, from the deep UV- to the far IR-spectrum. The parts are supplied in standard dimensions as well as custom tailored….
C-Flex Bearings: Precision Motion for Optical Systems
In the optics and photonics world, precision can’t be compromised. From laser scanners and beam-steering mirrors to telescopes and metrology instruments, even tiny mechanical errors can degrade system performance. C-Flex Bearing Company is a specialist in flexure-based pivot bearings that deliver frictionless, backlash-free motion without the use of lubrication and without wear. For optical engineers,…
Knight Optical: Precision Optics, Trusted Worldwide
For more than three decades, Knight Optical has been a leading name in the supply of premium optical components, serving customers across the photonics, scientific, defence, aerospace, medical, subsea, and industrial sectors. Trusted by engineers, researchers, and innovators worldwide, we combine technical expertise with a customer-focused approach to deliver optics that perform reliably in even…
ess Mikromechanik GmbH – simply precision
ess Mikromechanik GmbH, based in the German town of Stockach-Windegg, is in the excellent position of offering a wide range of airbearings. ess Mikromechanik GmbH was founded in 1990 with the aim of developing and manufacturing aerostatic airbearing components and devices for the manufacturing industry, and in the specialised area of measuring technology. The company’s…
INSION GmbH
Reliable and robust monolithic Microspectrometers INSION is the leading manufacturer of monolithic microspectrometers, specializing in the development, production and sales of miniaturized spectral sensors for new OEM applications. With over 25 years of experience in microsystem technology, optics and analytical technologies the INSION core team supports customers in all aspects of applications, focusing on reliability…
FILTROP GROUP – High-Tech Solutions made in Liechtenstein – Components for Medical Technology
Since more than 30 years, FILTROP GROUP is specialized in the design and manufacturing of components for OPTICS and FLUIDICS. In 2017 the two main competences have been divided into two companies, FILTROP and NANOSOL. FILTROP’s field of activity is in OPTICS. The product range compromises all kind of optical components, raw materials, coatings and…
Elma Schmidbauer GmbH
Ultrasonic Cleaning Systems for High-Purity Applications Highly specialized. Highly innovative. Simply Elma. For over 75 years, Elma has been synonymous with continuous research and pioneering innovation in ultrasonic and process technology. Our expertise lies in developing and manufacturing high-precision cleaning systems – from compact ultrasonic and steam devices to modular cleaning lines and fully customized…
Pieplow & Brandt GmbH
The Pieplow & Brandt GmbH has been a manufacturer and distributor of products for the optical and glass processing industry for more than 60 years now. We are specialized and focused in the areas: Flat glass processing, fine- and precision optics, ophthalmic industry, electronics- and semiconductor industry as well as ceramic and metal industry. An…
Instrument Systems. Your experts for light measurement solutions.
Instrument Systems GmbH, founded in Munich in 1986, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light metrology solutions indispensable for producers of consumer electronics, AR/VR/MR displays, MicroLED wafers, VCSEL/laser diodes, automotive lighting and LED/SSL modules. All solutions benefit from our high-accuracy CAS series of spectroradiometers, widely recognized and in use worldwide. In combination with…
LT Ultra Precision Technology GmbH
Tailor-made ultra-precision machines and the manufacturing of metal optic components are the strong core business of LT Ultra. With more than 30 years of experience in ultra precision machining today the company is a competence center for multi-axis diamond machining. The scope of metal optics ranges from injection molds for small lenses to automotive lights,…
Diamond GmbH
High performance and reliable fiber optic assemblies DIAMOND is an international company headquartered in Switzerland, specializing in the development, manufacture and assembly of high-precision fiber optic components and assemblies. By using a two-component connector ferrule, together with the company’s patented Active Core Alignment process, DIAMOND is able to provide industry best Insertion Loss values. This…
Archer OpTx Inc.
Archer OpTx has been a cornerstone in the photonics industry for over 23 years. As the leading manufacturer of ultra-precision molded glass aspherical lenses, we take pride in delivering unparalleled quality and innovation to our customers worldwide. We are dedicated to advancing the field of photonics through cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing…
Specialized High-precision Diamond Tools for Turning and Milling
DiaTec Diamanttechnik GmbH is the leading producer of high-precision diamond tools in the high-end sector. With the machines that we have developed and the most modern techniques, we produce customized turning and milling tools with diamond (MCD), PCD and CBN edges. As an experienced producer, we make diamond tools with tolerances in the μm range…
CeramOptec® – the leading fiber optics specialist
With more than 35 years of experience in photonics, we combine precise engineering know-how, production excellence, and a customer-oriented mindset to deliver high-performance specialty fiber solutions. Our product portfolio spans from bare fibers to fully assembled fiber cables, bundles and custom assemblies. Our core expertise lies in all silica-based, multimode optical fibers for ultraviolet (UV),…
Andover Corporation
50 Years of Precision and Passion For 50 years, Andover Corporation has been a trusted leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of precision optical filters, coatings, and assemblies. From prototype development to full-scale production, Andover delivers high-performance optical solutions for applications where accuracy and reliability are non-negotiable. Its vertically integrated process – spanning design,…
optoSiC® optics for HIGH-END LASER PROCESSES
Exceptional ceramic solutions for demanding Laser Applications optoSiC, a division of the MERSEN Group, develops and manufactures innovative high-performance optics in Silicon carbide (SiC) optoSiC+ material from 3mm to 500mm apertures for single pair consumption with a range of high reflective coatings. Our standard Galvo portfolio covers sizes ranging from 3 to 100 mm, and…
Heritage of Innovation
Founded by William G. Fredrick in 1980, Laser Mechanisms originated in Detroit, Michigan, USA to pioneer in innovative solutions for industrial laser materials processing. The modular concept of providing easy to integrate laser beam delivery components to OEMs, system integrators, laser machine builders, production companies integrating lasers including medical system builders and medical device manufacturers,…
IMT – Where Optics meets Microfluidics
IMT Masken und Teilungen AG comprises profound experience in the design and manufacturing of micro- and nanostructures on and in glass. In close cooperation with our partners and customers we offer leading edge foundry services in the field of micro-optical components and microfluidic chips/consumables. We provide design support starting at the early development stage all…
