Measurement techniques and devices for photonic and optoelectronic systems include a wide range of methods and apparatus for measuring optical and electrical parameters of systems based on photonic phenomena. The devices are used to precisely monitor and describe the properties of light beams, such as intensity, wavelength, polarisation, and spatial distribution. They are also used to analyse the optical properties of materials and components and to test the performance of optoelectronic systems, such as detectors, optical fibres, and lasers. Their main applications are in telecommunications, industry, precision optics, and scientific research.
Measurement Techniques and Devices for Photonic and Optoelectronic Systems
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Spectrometers and spectrophotometers: Spectral analysis equipment used to study wavelengths and intensity of radiation.
- Interferometers: Techniques and instruments used to accurately measure changes in distance, shape, and surface topography using light interference.
- Beam analysers: Devices for measuring beam parameters, such as shape, diameter, power, and radiation convergence.
- Thermal cameras: Infrared radiation recording systems used in heat detection and thermal monitoring.
- Scanners and profilometers: Apparatus for measuring the microstructure and surface of optical and photonic components.
Industry usage
- Industry: Quality control of optical components and electronic components.
- Telecommunications: Testing of fibre optics and data transmission systems.
- Medicine: Optical tissue analysis and medical diagnostics based on photonic phenomena.
- Energy: Monitoring the performance of photovoltaic panels and optoelectronic systems.
- Science: Precision measurements in materials research and physics laboratories.
Importance for the economy
Measurement techniques for photonic and optoelectronic systems play a key role in the development of modern technologies, providing precise tools for quality control and optimisation of manufacturing processes. They make it possible to accurately characterise new materials, test optical components, and monitor system performance, which is essential in sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, telecommunications, and medical diagnostics. The introduction of advanced measurement systems improves reliability, reduces the time to implement new solutions, and contributes to innovation.
Related technologies
Artificial Intelligence
Automation of the analysis of measurement results using machine learning algorithms.
Microelectronics and Nanoelectronics
Miniaturisation of measurement systems for space-constrained system applications.
Mechanism of action
- Measurement techniques in photonic systems are based on the interaction of light with measured objects. Depending on the application, they can use phenomena such as reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, or absorption of light. For example, spectrometers analyse the spectral composition of light passing through a sample to determine its chemical or physical properties. Interferometers measure changes in distance by comparing the phases of two light beams. Beam analysers and profilometers study the properties of a beam or surface based on precise measurements of intensity distribution and optical structure. In each case, the measurement results are processed by electronic circuits for further analysis and visualisation.
Advantages
- High precision: They enable accurate characterisation of optical and electrical parameters.
- Quick analysis: Shorter time needed to obtain results due to advanced measurement methods.
- Versatility: Applications in various industrial and scientific fields.
- Automation: Integration with production process control and automation systems.
- Remote monitoring: Remote access to and real-time analysis of measurement data.
Disadvantages
- High costs: Advanced measurement systems can be expensive to produce and operate.
- Comprehensiveness: The need for specialised knowledge to handle and interpret the results.
- Sensitivity to environmental conditions: Measuring optical systems can be sensitive to changes in temperature, humidity, or vibration.
- Calibration issues: They require regular calibration to maintain high measurement accuracy.
- Data security: Risk of manipulation of measurement results in systems connected to external networks.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Advanced measuring devices: Spectrometers, interferometers, beam analysers, and optical scanners.
- State-of-the-art optical components: Lenses, mirrors, detectors, and light sources.
- Analysis software: Tools for processing and visualising measurement data.
- Laboratory infrastructure: Laboratories equipped with appropriate tools and apparatus.
- Specialists in photonics and metrology: Experts in optics, electronics, and data processing.
Required competences
- Optical metrology: Knowledge of methods for measuring optical parameters (e.g. interferometry, spectroscopy).
- Programming measurement applications: Developing software for measurement data acquisition and analysis.
- Data acquisition systems: Configuration and management of systems for optoelectronic measurements.
- Visualisation of results: Creating advanced tools for presenting measurement data.
- Calibration: Ability to calibrate measurement equipment and evaluate its accuracy.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: High energy demand for precision measurement systems.
- Emissions of pollutants: Minimal emissions during operation of equipment. However, contamination may occur during production of some components.
- Waste generated: Production waste from used optical materials and chemical residues.
- Recycling: Difficulties in recycling advanced optoelectronic materials.
- Raw material consumption: High consumption of specialised raw materials, such as rare metals.
Legal conditions
- Protection of intellectual property: Regulations for the protection of patents for measurement techniques and unique hardware solutions, including protection of software and data analysis methodologies.
- Occupational safety: Health and safety standards for working with optical systems such as high-power lasers. Regulations for the use of protective equipment, such as safety glasses and specialised clothing.
- Device certification: Requirements for equipment compliance with safety standards (e.g. CE, IEC) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards.
- Export regulations: Regulations for the export of advanced measurement systems, especially those used in military research and dual-use technologies.