Welcome to the Spring 2016 edition of 'Lens Innovation' - a periodic eNewsletter from Resolve Optics Ltd. Each issue of Lens Innovation is designed to keep you informed about the latest technological developments, applications advances and breaking news in the optical design and manufacture industry.

If a particular feature interests you do not hesitate to contact us or follow the link for further information. We welcome your feedback.

Mark Pontin (Managing Director)

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ViewPoint

In this feature Resolve Optics offers its view on areas of topicality within the optics industry, we welcome your feedback.

Competitive Edge

Whether you are developing a new product or looking to extend the life of an existing product, one of the key necessities is that it should offer real benefits over your competitors. When we look at products that incorporate an optical system a competitive edge could be as simple as providing higher resolution. However, with the increasing pace of technological development today just how long will that competitive edge last?

To achieve a competitive edge that lasts you need that your product incorporates a unique component to provide advantages and improvements that your competitors do not have access to. One well proven route to achieving this with cameras, sensors and optical instruments is that your product should include a performance optimised custom lens or lens system designed specifically for your application. Such optimised custom lenses provide you with the desired competitive edge. Most important is that your optimised custom lens has been developed on an exclusive basis, placing a considerable hurdle for your competitors to overcome in order to compete with you.

There are many ways in which an optical system can provide competitive edge:

Size - An increasing number of applications are constricted by a lack of space in which the optical measurement device can sit. Keeping lens designs compact is a speciality of Resolve Optics.

Format - Sensors are evolving constantly and there seems to be a trend towards moving away from standard formats. Having a custom lens optimised to leverage top performance from non-standard format sensor can give you an advantage.

Resolution - All industries are information hungry and consequently are pushing for higher and higher resolution. Achieving highest possible resolution is rarely done with a standard off-the-shelf lens.

Aperture - Lens performance is affected by how much light you can get through it i.e. its F-number. Specialist lens design helps you achieve the maximum F-number in the application space constraints.

Wavelength - Most applications have a key bandwidth or wavelength at which optical measurement / sensing is optimally carried out. Designing a lens / lens system to provide peak performance in the key bandwidth / wavelength can give your product an edge.

Mechanical interface - Some applications and operating environments place great demands on an optical system. Consequently having a custom lens mounting arrangement, for instance to minimise the detrimental effect of vibration, can place your product head and shoulders above the competition.

A custom lens with a single one of these advantages can definitely give you a competitive edge. However if your product incorporates a custom lens that offers several of the above optimised performance factors it is then possible to achieve even greater competitive edge.

Such performance optimised products typically take a larger share of the available market demand and consequently are a benefit to your company's bottom line. In addition having an exclusively developed optimised custom lens in your product gives you the benefit of security of supply. Standard off-the-shelf lens unfortunately are only available for as long as the market is sufficiently large to justify their existence. As just one of many purchasers of a particular standard off-the-shelf lens you are unlikely to be able to influence the manufacturer supplying such a lens.

To discuss development of a custom optimised lens to give your new product a competitive edge or extend the sales life of a core product please contact Resolve Optics.

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Information Guidelines

Setting Up a Tracking Zoom Lens for Optimum Performance

The term "tracking zoom”" is used to describe a zoom lens that, once set-up, will maintain focus throughout the full zoom range of the lens. For example all Resolve Optics Ltd zoom lenses are tracking zooms.

Tracking zoom lenses are of great benefit to users. However, to get the best performance from your lens you must set it up correctly each time you use it on a new camera. If you only use the lens on a single camera then the set-up need only be performed once. However, it is recommended that you periodically check the set-up to make sure nothing has changed and best performance is maintained.

Setting-up your tracking zoom is a relatively simple procedure but absolutely vital to ensure the best performance from your zoom lens.

Step 1. With the Zoom Lens mounted on the camera, zoom to the narrow image and use the lens focus to bring the image into sharp focus.

Step 2. Now zoom to the wide image. The image is likely to be out of focus consequently you need to focus by adjusting the register or back-focus setting. This can be done by using the lens register setting (if provided) or the camera adjustment. By adjusting the register you will bring the image back into best focus.

Step 3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 several times until focus is maintained at either end of the zoom without having to refocus. You will now find that optimum image quality is maintained at any point within the zoom range.

Your Zoom Lens is now set for optimum performance. Please keep in mind that this set-up procedure should be carried out even if you are swapping the lens between cameras with the same standard lens mount. Tiny positional errors between the camera register and sensor position can be enough to stop your lens tracking correctly. For further information on tracking zoom lenses please visit http://www.resolveoptics.com/zoom-lenses/

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Technology Forum 1

Sensor Resolution versus Lens Resolution

An informative new white paper from Resolve Optics addresses the often misunderstood considerations when selecting an optimum lens for your digital camera or sensor. The ability of a lens to resolve detail is usually determined by its quality but also is ultimately limited by diffraction. It is commonly thought that the resolution of a lens should match or exceed the Nyquist resolution of the sensor that it has been selected to work with, in order to achieve optimum performance. This is a common misconception.

To read this white paper in full – click here. For further information on specialist lens design for high resolution applications please click here.

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Technology Forum 2

Are Off-the-Shelf Optics Always the Best Solution?

To read this white paper in full – click here.

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Product Focus 1

Wide Angle Adapter for 3CCD HD Cameras

The Model 387 has been developed to provide a cost effective route to achieving a wide field-of-view for HD Broadcast applications with no loss of performance. The Model 387 converts the 4 mm focal length Fujinon TF4XA-1 HD lens to a 2.8 mm focal length while maintaining its high definition 200 cycle performance across all the sensors of 1/3-inch 3-CCD or 3-CMOS cameras. In doing this the Model 387 usefully increases the horizontal field-of-view from 71 degrees to a minimum of 95 degrees.

Dimensions of the Model 387 are 60.5 mm diameter and 34 mm long. The adapter mounts onto the TF4XA-1 via the 30.5 mm external thread on the front of the lens. The Model 387 wide angle adapter has an M60 x0.5 thread on the front to facilitate the mounting of filters.

For further information on the Model 387 please visit www.resolveoptics.com/387-000-0-7x-wide-angle-adapter/

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Product Focus 2

Close-Up Inspection in High Radiation Environments

Designed to provide uncompromised performance on 2/3-inch cameras, Resolve Optics new 6mm focal length Model 214 and 9mm focal length Model 286 lenses deliver high image resolution (f2) and minimal geometric distortion from 400 - 750 nm. Manufactured to the highest quality standards from Cerium doped glass, Model 214 and 286 lenses are able to withstand radiation exposure of up to 100 kGy (100,000,000 rads) and temperatures up to 55 degrees centigrade without discoloration. Most non-browning glass lenses are yellow tinted which unfortunately gives images acquired by colour CMOS cameras a yellow appearance. To provide a solution for this problem, Resolve Optics has introduced the Model 313 - a 25mm focal length (f1.4) fixed focus non-browning lens. Using specially selected glasses with the least amount of yellow tint, so that the image would be as natural as possible, the Model 313 still retains non-browning performance in environments subject to radiation.

For further information on these 3 new lenses please visit www.resolveoptics.com/non-browning-lenses/

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Case Study

In this feature we share with you how Resolve Optics specialist lenses and lens systems have helped organisations solve problems and enhance their competitive edge.

Improving the View From Above

A major US organisation specialising in the application of VCR's and airborne video cameras, has partnered with Resolve Optics to develop an optimised second generation miniature varifocal lens to enhance the competitiveness and market reach of their Head-Up Display (HUD) cameras.

The first generation variable field-of-view lens, developed by Resolve Optics Ltd., made HUD camera installations an easy task without expensive aircraft modifications. This motorised iris lens proved itself ideal for the wide light level changes encountered in the air and captured the HUD symbology without the interference seen with traditional CCD iris.

The new second generation miniature varifocal zoom lens developed by Resolve Optics was designed to deliver improved performance, ruggedness and flexibility in a compact space. Built to withstand the high levels of vibration, shock and electromagnetic interference static typically found in aircraft, the second generation varifocal zoom lens provides variable field-of-view allowing optimised focusing on objects from infinity right down to an object placed just 35mm from the lens in a wide range of aircraft. For further information on how to develop a new specialist lens to improve the competitiveness of your product please visit www.resolveoptics.com/oem-design-manufacture/ or contact Resolve Optics on telephone +44-1494-777100 / sales@resolveoptics.com.

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Competition

Winner of the High Definition Z10 Motorised Zoom Lens

Resolve Optics reports that the application entry from the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant (Krsko, Slovenia) has been selected as the winner of its recent 'Win a Z10 HD zoom lens' competition. Mr Zeljko Bozic, a maintenance instructor at the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant (www.nek.si/en/) said "Our plant has been in operation for over thirty years. Over the course of the past decades there have been many changes in nuclear power generation, in particular people’s increased environmental awareness. These changes are reflected in the Krsko's everyday operation including its long-term strategy to maintain a high level of nuclear safety. This was our prime driver to enter the Resolve Optics competition. Using the Z10 HD zoom lens mounted on a FPS1000 HD high frame rate camera our aim is to monitor fast transients in Krsko's nuclear instrumentation and electrical power systems. In industrial environments space is always critical, the small dimensions of the high performance Z10 lens, in conjunction with our compact high speed camera, will solve a lot of practical problems". Mr Mark Pontin, Managing Director of Resolve Optics commented "The entry from Krsko was chosen from over 30 qualifying entries as the application most likely to significantly benefit from the unique feature / benefits of the Z10 HD zoom lens".

For further information on the Z10 HD lens click here.

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Global Optics News

We have trawled the internet to bring to you some topical breaking news items relating to the photonics / imaging industry that we hope you will find of interest. Happy reading !

Robotic Vision Market Worth 5.18 Billion USD by 2020

According to the new market research report "Robotic Vision Market by Component, Technology, Application, Industry, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2020,” published by Markets and Markets, the robotic vision market is estimated to reach USD 5.18 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2015 to 2020. The factors driving the robotic vision market include demand for safety, reliability, accuracy, efficiency, and ease of implementation and penetration.

For full article click here.

Focus on Optics & Photonics

Physics World has published a special issue which explores some of the latest research in optics and photonics. The issue looks at the giant laser interferometers underpinning the latest reports on recent efforts to use optical instead of radio waves for satellite communication. It also explores the vital role of photonics in the UK’s Quantum Technologies Programme and describes a European project that is using on-chip silicon photonics to screen for early-stage cardiovascular disease. Finally, the issue surveys a new form of quantitative phase microscopy called SLIM that allows multi-scale imaging of cellular systems.

For full article click here.

Compact Camera Market Report

Driven by the mobile phone and automotive sectors, a new report from Yole Dévelopment predicts that the sales value of the Compact Camera Module (CCM) industry will grow by a factor of by 2.5 over the next five years, reaching a total revenue of $51 billion by 2020.

For full article click here.

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HOT OFF THE PRESS

Resolve Optics Achieves ISO 14001 Accreditation

Resolve Optics, has been awarded ISO14001 accreditation demonstrating its commitment to the environment. The intention of the new ISO 14001 environmental management system is to provide a framework for a holistic, strategic approach to the company's environmental policy, plans and actions. Mark Pontin, Managing Director of Resolve Optics commented "Quality is an integral part of our company and we are proud to have held ISO certification since 2005. All products and services supplied by Resolve Optics are covered by the ISO 9001:2008 international quality standards and come with a complete quality test assurance report". Mr Pontin added "As a business, we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment. By having an ISO 14001 accredited Environmental Management System in place is not only helping us to do this, it's also allowing us to make continuous improvements to our systems and procedures. Importantly improving our performance doesn't just benefit us, it benefits our customers too".

Resolve Optics Appoint Production Manager

Resolve Optics announces that it has appointed Mr Peter Chamberlain to the newly created role of Production Manager.

The key responsibilities of this new position will include production planning, ensuring orders are produced on time, maintaining/improving product quality and production processes, management of ISO 9001/ISO 14001 accreditation as well as identifying and implementing training requirements.

Mr Mark Pontin, Managing Director of Resolve Optics commented “Peter has 15 years’ experience in production manufacturing and management and will be a tremendous addition to our team”. He added “As Peter immerses himself into the new position our customers will benefit from not only from our top performance, high quality lens and optical systems but also improved on time deliveries and accurate order status information”.

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Events
Visit us at VISION 2016

November 8-10th 2016

Resolve Optics has announced that it will be exhibiting at VISION 2016 in Stuttgart, Germany. Visitors to Stand I22 (Hall 1) will be able to discuss with technical specialists how a custom lens design can enable them to benefit from the full performance of their camera, sensor or instrument. Managing Director of Resolve Optics, Mark Pontin commented “In the current competitive machine vision arena – market-leading cameras, sensors and instruments often rely heavily on outstanding optical performance. We have built our reputation on development and supply of specialist lens and optical systems that enable products to achieve their full performance potential thereby enabling our customers to gain that all important competitive advantage". We look forward to seeing you in Stuttgart.

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