Comparison of three focus sensors for optical topography measurement of rough surfaces.

The study compares three variants of focus sensors designed for the optical topography measurement of rough surface specimens with submicron accuracy. We present a theoretical analysis of the focus sensor principles and the experimental measurements with a single point laser probe. A low coherent illumination beam was provided by a monochromatic laser source and a rotating diffuser, which reduced the speckles generated by the rough surface.

Influence of coating technology and thermal annealing on the optical performance of AR coatings in iodine-filled absorption cells.

In this contribution, we investigate the properties of antireflective coatings on iodine-filled absorption cell windows. These coatings are subject to high temperatures during the cell production process and are in direct contact with the absorption medium, which influences their optical performance. We tested the thermal resistance of TiO- and TaO- based coatings produced using conventional electron beam evaporation (e-beam) and ion-assisted deposition (PIAD).

Enhancement of the 'tractor-beam' pulling force on an optically bound structure.

Recently, increasing attention has been devoted to mastering a new technique of optical delivery of micro-objects tractor-beam'. Such beams have uniform intensity profiles along their propagation direction and can exert a negative force that, in contrast to the familiar pushing force associated with radiation pressure, pulls the scatterer toward the light source. It was experimentally observed that under certain circumstances, the pulling force can be significantly enhanced if a non-spherical scatterer, for example, a linear chain of optically bound objects, is optically transported.

Short-range six-axis interferometer controlled positioning for scanning probe microscopy.

We present a design of a nanometrology measuring setup which is a part of the national standard instrumentation for nanometrology operated by the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI) in Brno, Czech Republic. The system employs a full six-axis interferometric position measurement of the sample holder consisting of six independent interferometers. Here we report on description of alignment issues and accurate adjustment of orthogonality of the measuring axes.

The genetic basis of equine allergic diseases. 1. Chronic hypersensitivity bronchitis.

The genetic influence on chronic hypersensitivity bronchitis (CB) was investigated in families at two studs and among half-siblings of three affected and three non-affected sires at several farms. The family members at the two studs were born and raised under the same conditions, whereas the half-siblings were kept individually under very different conditions and were exposed to various environmental factors. The diagnosis was based on long-term observations and multiple clinical examinations at each of the two studs.