BFi OPTiLAS is proud to announce a European partnership agreement has been signed with Telops.

Hyperspectral Spectroradiometers
FIRST Hyper-Cam is a lightweight and compact hyperspectral-imaging sensor using FT-IR technology. It provides unparalleled spatial and spectral information about the IR targets under measurement.
With its integrated calibration system and electronics FIRST Hyper-Cam can be used in a standalone (and unmanned) configuration for over 24hrs.
The standard hardware interfaces make the sensor easy to use. The unit is Compact and portable for field use and provides: Wide field-of-view and high spatial resolution, Variable spectral resolution, down to 0.25 cm-1 , Integrated calibration targets that ensure accurate measurements, Simultaneous visible imaging.

Applications include:

Airborne
• Hyperspectral mapping of the ground or atmosphere

Military
• Standoff chemical detection and identification
• Signatures of rockets, missiles and flares

Environmental
• Leak detection
• Pollution monitoring
• Forest fire monitoring

Research/Lab
• Geology/minerology studies
• Surface and emissivity studies
• Gaseous cloud studies

TREK, INC., a designer and manufacturer of high-voltage power amplifiers and high-performance electrostatic instrumentation, has introduced a new High Voltage Power Amplifier - Trek Model PZD350A - which offers wide bandwidth and additional features important in piezoelectrics, electro-optics, MEMS and other applications. Compared to other linear amplifiers in the marketplace this new model from Trek offers a unique combination of capabilities which enhance its versatility and utility.

The wide bandwidth of Model PZD350A, for both large signal and small signal levels, in combination with Trek’s industry-leading technology for precise control of output voltages, enable the PZD350A HV amplifier to address the specific need for high speed and fast settling when driving capacitive loads in piezoelectric driving/control, electro-optics, MEMS and other demanding applications such as laser modulation and ion beam control.

The PZD350A provides a large signal bandwidth of 250 kHz (-3dB) and a small signal bandwidth greater than 350 kHz (-3dB). This bandwidth capability is especially important in new piezo and piezo-stack applications, which require the high current levels as provided by this new amplifier from Trek. The fully protected output of Model PZD350A enhances the utility of this unit in piezo and other reactive load applications by assuring that the amplifier is safe-guarded from incidental short circuits, arcing or energy return from the load device.

The PZD350A design offers outstanding DC stability, high speed and precise control of output voltages (DC or peak AC) in the programmable ranges of 0 to +/-350 V with an output current range of 0 to +/-200 mA (bipolar model); 0 to +700 V with +/-100 mA (unipolar model); 0 to -700 V with +/-100 mA (unipolar model). An alternative PZD350A “M/S” design offers twice the current capability of the standard PZD350A models.

The industries and commercial applications that will benefit from the advancements enabled by Model PZD350A are diverse and include: aerospace, biotechnology, defense, military, power, energy, laboratory, instrumentation, semiconductors, electronics, and others.

Like all Trek amplifiers, this High Voltage Amplifier Model PZD350A offers: DC stability, wide bandwidth, well-regulated and controlled AC output signals, and full four-quadrant, class AB, all-solid state output stages. The four-quadrant, active output stage sinks or sources current into reactive or resistive loads throughout the output voltage range. This is essential for achieving the accurate output response and high slew rates demanded by reactive loads.

Other technical parameters for the Model PZD350A include DC accuracy better than 0.1% of full scale and slew rate greater than 500 V/μs (+/-350 V range) or 350 V/μs (700 V range). The unit has precision voltage and current monitors. It is also CE marked.

Date : 1 June 2009

BFi OPTiLAS is pleased to support Luminit's expansion plans.

Luminit announces a multi-million dollar expansion of its mass production capability.

Luminit LLC, a worldwide leader in technical innovation in shaping and diffusing light, has announced it has completed the expansion of its production facilities and the integration of a major new roll-to-roll system for production of its Light Shaping Diffuser product line. This expansion includes a 50% increase in floor space, and a multi-million dollar investment in facilities and equipment.

The new custom designed roll-to-roll system is now fully operational and expands Luminit's production capacity by an order of magnitude. It is enclosed in its own clean room to prevent particulate contamination and can operate at high speeds, imprinting holographically mastered structures on polycarbonate or polyester film at up to 200 feet per minute. In addition to this system, the new facility also enables Luminit to operate their previously existing production equipment in a cleaner, more productive environment.

Engin Arik, PhD, President & CEO of Luminit commented, "We are excited about our new expanded facilities and particularly about our new roll-to-roll web production system. We are now able to produce a much larger quantity of better quality products at lower cost."

Luminit is a privately held, high technology company specialising in custom and standard holographic diffusers based on multiple technology patents. Luminit's commercial experience covers applications including LED lighting, architectural lighting, bio-medical, semiconductor metrology, aerospace, automotive and display applications.

Luminit's Light Shaping Diffusers are available through BFi OPTiLAS Ltd who has seen the products used in an incredible array of applications, both scientific and creative, by industry innovators.

For information on the wide range of industrial uses for Luminit's line of light shaping diffuser, contact your local BFi office.

New BreezeACCESS EZ wireless equipment squeezes down cost of delivering personal broadband access to remote network users

Hartlepool Borough Council rolls out major European implementation of BreezeACCESS EZ gear, providing broadband access at home to disadvantaged children

The cost to network owners of providing wireless broadband access to remote users has fallen with the launch in the UK of the new BreezeACCESS EZ product from Alvarion.

BreezeACCESS EZ consists of a central access unit and individual subscriber units for each user. The subscriber unit includes a wireless radio and integrated 17dBi flat-panel antenna attached to an external wall. Each subscriber unit can provide full-duplex throughput of up to 12Mbps, supporting demanding applications such as VoIP. The maximum distance from access unit to subscriber unit is 8 miles. The devices operate in the unlicensed 4.9GHz - 5.875GHz band.

While the radio technology has been proven in previous BreezeACCESS products, the simplicity of installation and configuration of the new EZ product represents a breakthrough in cost-saving for network owners.

The subscriber units are extremely easy to install: the antenna does not require a line of sight to the access unit - simple visual aids ensure correct antenna alignment. In addition, the system is very well integrated with the Windows networking environment, which means that initial configuration of each user is quick and easy.

The system is well suited to enterprise users, campuses and public services, which want to avoid the high cost of installing permanent cabling, and which might require periodic removal of subscriber equipment and reinstallation in another location.

Ian Stevens, of Alvarion’s UK representative BFi Optilas, said that BreezeACCESS EZ is a cost-efficient, easy-to-implement solution for WISPs (Wireless Internet Service Providers) and municipal authorities operating in licence-exempt spectrums. He said: “BreezeACCESS EZ is extremely easy to set up - it is as close to plug-and-play as you can get today with metropolitan-area wireless broadband equipment.”

A major roll-out of BreezeACCESS EZ equipment has now begun in Hartlepool, where the borough council is using it to provide broadband access to disadvantaged children as part of a government programme to extend the learning environment to the home. Six hundred units are planned to be connected by July 2008.

The use of BreezeACCESS EZ has enabled Hartlepool Borough Council to pare the cost per connection. The cost of initial installation is low. In addition, initial configuration is simple, and does not require the involvement of highly-qualified and expensive network engineers.

The same economies apply when subscriber equipment needs to be removed and redeployed elsewhere, providing the council with the flexibility to provide access equipment to the right user at the right time.

Peter Lowe, Service Director at Northgate Information Solutions - Hartlepool Borough Council’s IT partner - said, “BreezeACCESS EZ really is incredibly quick and easy to set up - a subscriber unit can be installed in less than an hour. And our staff have found the configuration process very straightforward when working in a Windows environment.”

He said that Northgate had felt confident selecting Alvarion equipment because the company is a market leader in the field, and the performance and reliability of its equipment is proven.

Trek, Inc. (a designer and manufacturer of high-performance electrostatic instrumentation and high-voltage power amplifiers), recently introduced a High Voltage Power Amplifier (Model 40/15) which, by providing up to 80 kV peak-to-peak (±40 kV), delivers the highest level of output voltages for any amplifier in its class. The Model 40/15 HV amplifier is the first of its kind to achieve such high voltage ranges along with high performance capabilities typically available only with lower voltage units. The 40/15 offers outstanding DC stability, high speed and precise control of output voltages in the range of 0 to ±40 kV DC or peak AC with an output current range of 0 to ±15 mA DC or peak AC. It offers exceptional stability and wideband performance, with high slew rates over a wide range of AC signals, together with low-noise operation.
Research applications for the 40/15 include electrostatic deflection and dielectric studies. Other applications include research in the fields of plasma chemistry, electrostatic levitation, electrostatic coatings and partial discharge.
Like all Trek amplifiers, this High Voltage Amplifier Model 40/15 offers: DC stability, wide bandwidth, well-regulated and controlled AC output signals, and full four-quadrant, class AB, all-solid-state output stages. The four-quadrant, active output stage sinks or sources current into reactive or resistive loads throughout the output voltage range. This is essential for achieving the accurate output response and high slew rates demanded by reactive loads.
Technical parameters for the Model 40/15 include: output voltage range of 0 to ±40 kV DC or peak AC; output current range of 0 to ±15 mA DC or peak AC; DC accuracy better than 0.1% of full scale; slew rate greater than 350 V/μs; DC offset adjustment from 0 to ±40 kV; adjustable current limit or current trip; precision voltage and current monitors. The unit is CE marked.

BFi OPTiLAS is proposing in all Europe the new FieldPRo5XS continuous zoom thermal imager, made by Axsys Infrared Systems (Nashua, USA).

With outstanding long range target detection and recognition, the FieldPro5XS combines exceptional performance with Axsys reliability and ease of use. Built around a high sensitivity 640x480 pixels (15μ-pitch) cooled InSb detector, this camera operates in the MWIR (3-5 microns) Bandwidth. The waterproof housing, graded IP67 is environmentally sealed and dry nitrogen backfilled. The 5X continuous zoom Germanium Lens covers Medium (5°) to Narrow (1°) Horizontal Field of View.

This camera can detect a man in full night up to 8 km away, and a vehicle up to a distance of 19km.

BFi OPTiLAS is very proud to announce the signature of a distribution agreement with Cascade Technologies. This agreement covers distribution of Cascade's scientific products in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK and Ireland. This agreement was reached after a complete review of sales options in Europe.

Cascade Technologies offers a wide range of Mid IR Quantum Cascade Laser sources as well as Mid IR tunable laser systems and data acquisition solutions. Available wavelengths cover the 2 - 12 microns range.

The main applications include:

• Gas Sensing
• Mid IR Laser Spectroscopy
• Laser, Detector
• Fibre optics Characterisation

Cascade products address both the R&D and industrial / OEM environments.

About Cascade Technologies
Cascade Technologies uses its revolutionary, patented core technology - based around the application of Quantum Cascade Lasers - to design, develop and supply innovative solutions for a wide range of global markets. These include the monitoring of greenhouse and general industrial emissions, hazardous gases, and explosives and drugs. Based at Stirling University Innovation Park, Cascade Technologies currently has world-class scientists and engineers working under development and supply agreements on several revolutionary products for key blue chip clients, whilst further bespoke product development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution agreements are being sought with customers worldwide. The company's technology provides highly specific and sensitive measurement, whilst its portable size offers cost savings compared to competitive offerings. It is also immune to many outside influences that typically affect sensors of this type.

Distributed in UK, France and Italy by BFi OPTiLAS, Fairchild Imaging (USA) is proposing a line of very low-noise, multi-port, cooled scientific cameras based on world re-knowned Fairchild Imaging very large CCD sensor, 4096x4096 pixels, and 15μ pitch. All the cameras are cooled down to -60ºC with thermoelectric or cryogenic coolers. There are 2 models of cameras based on this CCD.

Peregrine486, available in either front-illuminated or back-illuminated version, is proposed with a vacuum flange for connection to special optics or to vacuum chambers.

• Condor486 is available with different bonded fiber optics (tapers or faceplates).
• Condor 486:90 features a 1:1 fiber taper that provides a 90mm diameter faceplate
• Condor 486:135 features a 1.5:1 fiber taper that provides a 135mm diameter faceplate, and the unique Condor 486:200 features a 2.2:1 fiber taper that provides an incredible 200mm diameter faceplate!

Fairchild Imaging scientific cameras find widespread use in such varied applications as electron microscopy, high throughput screening (HTS), micro array and microtiter plate analysis, non-destructive testing (NDT), x-ray crystallography, x-ray inspection and other high-performance imaging applications.

All These cameras are now available for with USB-2 digital interface for an easier connection to PC.

Imagine Optic, Europe’s leading provider of Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing technologies, presents their newest offering in adaptive optics technology, the AOKit™-bio, a powerful solution for improving microscopic imaging for biologists.

The AOKit-bio consists of three different patented technologies, packaged together to accommodate unique applications in microscopy:

• The HASO™3 wavefront sensor, an award-winning Shack-Hartmann sensor that ensures dependable beam measurement and analysis
• The mirao™52d electromagnetic deformable mirror, which enables precise correction for specimen-induced aberrations in microscopic images
• CASAO™, an intuitive and ergonomic software interface that gives users integrated command and control of the HASO3 and the mirao-52d

The AOKit-bio has been developed to provide unprecedented image precision to biologists using both multi-photon and confocal microscopes. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Chevy Chase, Maryland have already begun to use Imagine Optic's AOKit-bio for improved microscopic imaging.

"We have developed a new microscope using the Imagine Optic mirao and HASO," said Peter Kner, Ph.D. and Optical Physicist at the Sedat Lab at UCSF. “We are very pleased with the performance and excited about the possibilities for adaptive optics in biological microscopy." Industry-wide adoption of the AOKit-bio could have a wide variety of applications, including the earlier detection of cancer as a result of the more precise deep tissue images.

The new laser barrier system introduced by BFi OPTiLAS, in collaboration with Laservision LASERVISION offers for the first time a modular system, which fits the changing needs and requirements of laser users.

The patent pending protection material combines very low weight with highest protection against laser radiation in the UV-/VIS- and IR-range. The barrier secure for example from CO2- (10600nm) and Nd:YAG- lasers (1064nm) up to a power density of 10MW/m². The obtained protection level equals AL6 at 1064nm and AL4 at 10600 nm respectively at 100s direct illumination according to DIN EN 12254.

The special designed surface structure (free of dust, disinfection possible) makes the new laser barrier ideally suitable for all applications in the industry and research (even in clean room environments) as well as for all medical applications.

The optionally available aluminium frame is capable to contain different full or segmented protection modules, like the no transparent special protection material, cabin windows, filters or a combination of these. The modular concept makes a realisation of application specific laser protection fast and easy. By coupling different modules together a very flexible and versatile separation of a laser working space is possible.

Standard dimensions are 2000mm x 1350mm and 1000x1350 mm.

In addition to the certified plastic window P2008 for CO2 lasers, BFi OPTiLAS, in collaboration with Laservision, is proud to launch a second plastic window P2009 certified with L protection levels according to EN 207 for Nd:YAG laser applications.

So this greenish window marked with L protection levels D L5 and IR L6 at 1064nm can be used particularly for laser marking and graving applications, but also for other Nd:YAG applications with lower output power.

The thickness of 3mm and the visible light transmission of approximately 65% match the values of our OD marked material P2001. This can be thus replaced in very most cases smoothly by our new certified material P2009.

The standard dimensions are: 100x200mm², DIN A4, 300x450mm², 450x600m², 610x915mm² and 915x1220mm². All smaller user-defined sizes as 915x1220mm² can be also realized on customer requirement. For the standard dimensions 100x200mm² and DIN A4 our practical mounting frames with changing function are available.

The Application lab of SPI Lasers (distributed in Europe by BFi OPTiLAS) announced that work conducted at their US applications facility shows promising results in processing 0.2-0.8mm thick polycrystalline silicon as used in solar cell production. Using a 200W CW-M 1070nm fibre laser with a novel cutting technique, cutting speeds of up to 6m/min on 200µm silicon ribbon have been readily achieved. Analysis of the cuts shows very smooth surfaces with minimal debris or spatter, 40µm kerf with no appreciable taper. All this indicates a promising and somewhat surprising new application for these fundamental wavelength fibre lasers.

“The current laser cutting process requires expensive DPSS lasers which require higher levels of maintenance and are considerably slower. The early promise shown by the SPI Laser trials will prove of real benefit to a rapidly growing sector which aims to reduce cost, increase throughput and improve product energy conversion efficiency”.

In addition to the silicon cutting, SPI Lasers see a number of new exciting opportunities within the solar industry for fibre lasers including; thin film removal, edge deletion and silicon scribing and are looking forward to delivering these to the market.”

For a proof of concept and try before you buy programs, please contact your local BFi OPTiLAS sales office.

BFi OPTiLAS , thanks to its partnership with SPI Lasers, announces an extension to its pulsed laser product range for marking solutions. SPI Lasers' 10 & 20W − RM (restricted modulation) Pulsed Laser Modules are the newest members of their marking product family, providing a value-engineered solution that is ideally suited to high volume, single application operations.

The newly introduced 10 & 20W modules bring the total to four pulsed laser within the current range, providing the laser marking market with complete coverage. The flexible and feature rich 12W and 20W G3 models have successfully served the marking and micro machining markets respectively, securing volume orders in a wide variety of applications such as metal and plastics marking, paint on plastic removal , I.D.card marking, and thin film ablation. However, feedback from customers with marking systems dedicated to a single application on materials such as metal reported feature redundancy when using the 12W.

The new 10W and 20W lasers offer an equivalent performance to the best fibre lasers on the market today focussing on sub 100KHz marking applications. The 12W and 20W full feature lasers open up new marking and processing opportunities requiring over100KHz repetition rates competing across the entire spectrum of fibre and Vanadate lasers.

The new entry level 10 & 20W pulsed laser models are well suited to basic metallic and plastic marking applications which make up the bulk of consumer and industrial marking requirements.

BFi OPTiLAS, thanks to its collaboration with Trek, Inc. (a designer and manufacturer of high-performance electrostatic instrumentation and high-voltage power amplifiers), recently introduced the TREK Model 900 ESD Event Detector. This detector is a diagnostic tool for manufacturing environments that are sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), including electronic, semiconductor & medical device manufacturing and assembly. Electrostatic discharge events are important indicators of excessive charge accumulation in a given environment. Such charge accumulation (electrostatic charging) can be detrimental to ESD-sensitive manufacturing and assembly processes such as those found in the semiconductor industry. ESD can also be a concern in the manufacture of electronics and other devices, including sensitive medical electronics, microelectronics, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), hard disk drives, microelectronic mechanical systems (MEMS), and in various sectors of the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry.

Trek's ESD Event Detector is a diagnostic tool used to identify incidents of or verify suspected areas of ESD activity within a manufacturing site. A voltage-sensitive antenna on the unit can be positioned near potential problem areas (where electrostatic discharge is suspected) to monitor ESD events. Detection is conveyed via an audible buzzer and/or a visual color-coded light display which depicts intensity.

By detecting ESD events, Model 900 serves to alert manufacturing engineers to the presence of potentially harmful (and invisible) electrostatic charging. Such identification is often the first step in managing ESD. Once alerted to its presence, action can be taken to rectify the situation and thereby improve overall efficiency, yield and productivity.

Model 900 is compact, portable and is powered by batteries. A universal power adapter can be used for continuous AC line operation. Model 900 is also CE compliant. The technical design of the unit provides a wide spatial operating range with high sensitivity.

Trek's Model 900 is designed for Charge Device Model (CDM) events which are becoming the major contributor to ESD failures, in connection with increases in the automation of manufacturing processes.