Australian Lidar Measurements of Aerosol Layers Associated with the 2015 Calbuco Eruption
Summary The Calbuco volcano eruption in southern Chile (April 22–23, 2015) injected volcanic aerosols into the atmosphere, forming distinct stratospheric aerosol layers observed over South Australia and Tasmania. Using lidar measurements, atmospheric trajectory modeling, and satellite data (CALIOP & OMPS), researchers confirmed that these layers originated from Calbuco. Key findings include: Stratospheric aerosol layers detected […]
Twisted Nematic Liquid Crystal Devices
Summary Meadowlark Optics has been a leader in nematic liquid crystal (LC) devices for over 25 years, pioneering liquid crystal variable retarders (LCVRs) for precision optical applications. LCVRs offer low-voltage electrical control of retardance (typically ≤20V) and have largely replaced high-voltage Pockels cells in many applications. However, Twisted Nematic (TN) Liquid Crystal Devices provide distinct […]
Scientific and Industrial Liquid Crystal Polarimetry Applications
Summary Because the human eye is insensitive to polarization, valuable optical information often goes unnoticed. However, polarimetry—the measurement of a light wave’s polarization state—is crucial in fields such as biology, chemistry, astronomy, and remote sensing. This paper explores methods for accurately determining the retardance value and fast axis position of an unknown waveplate and highlights […]
Liquid Crystal in Precision Optical Devices
Summary While liquid crystal technology is widely known for display applications, its role in scientific and engineering fields is rapidly expanding. Liquid crystal devices (LCDs) are now critical for beam steering, wavefront modulation, and polarization switching in precision optical systems. Unlike traditional flat-panel displays, high-performance liquid crystal optics require specialized construction techniques to achieve superior […]
Achromatic Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Polarization Rotator
Summary Precise polarization rotation with minimal polarization purity loss is essential for optical switching, polarimetry, and microscopy. Traditional liquid crystal (LC) polarization rotators enable non-mechanical tuning, but their performance is limited to specific wavelengths. Ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) devices, however, offer faster response times and can switch between two orthogonal polarization states. By placing an […]
