Research
NPL has extensive facilities for the characterisation and calibration for optical fibre, related test equipment and components and has recently developed a computer model for predicting the performance of communications systems.
We also have a new capability in wavefront measurement and laser beam parameter characterisation which supports, for example, the demanding requirements of modern laser macro and micro machining as well as eye surgery and free space optical communications.
Research is underway in the application of adaptive optics to metrology and includes the development of a human eye simulator to support the assessment of eye hazard and the Artificial Optical Radiation Directive.
Optical Communications & Data research
- Adaptive optics allows the dynamic manipulation of light that has led to innovative solutions for imaging systems within mobile phone cameras, binoculars, CCTV, microscopy systems and optical storage.
- The design, upgrade and specification of optical communication systems depend on accurate computer models of predicted performance. NPL has been developing computational models of lightwave components and optical communication systems and has used its strong expertise in metrology to bridge the gap between measurement and simulation.
- NPL has developed a system to measures the attenuation and isolation between waveguides with the ability to vary the launch spot size and numerical aperture to fully explore the capability of these multimode waveguides.
- Wavefront sensors are increasingly being used in many new fields ranging from medical applications such as laser eye surgery to industrial laser beam manipulation, to optimise machining and welding.