Tag: scientific

How Do Optical Beam Splitters Work & Applications

Optical beam splitters are important components across multiple optical systems since they serve applications throughout telecommunications and scientific research. These devices split one light beam into two or more separate light beams. Standard Beam splitters enable light control by using  polarization orientation or wavelength properties, while diffractive beam splitter enable universal control insensitive to wavelength or polarization

Types of Optical Beam Splitters

The different types of optical splitters exist to serve specific requirements in optical applications. Multiple versions exist of optical splitters, including these main types:

 

  1. Plate Beam Splitters

 

A plate beam splitter uses thin glass combined with a reflective coating as its structure. Its compact design makes it desirable when minimising physical space is essential. However, the flat design of these devices causes minor path deviations in the split beam path.

 

  1. Cube Beam Splitters

 

Beam splitters in cube form result from the bonding technique between two prism structures. These splitters provide better alignment stability and reduce surface reflections compared to plate models, but are unsuitable to high power laser applications

 

  1. Polarizing Beam Splitters (PBS)

 

The design purpose of these beam splitters includes polarization-based light division. A PBS functions to split unpolarized light into two primarily polarised beams oriented at right angles thus becoming useful for microscopy and optical communication.

 

  1. Wavelength-Selective Beam Splitters

 

The optical filters implemented in these devices create wavelength-based reflection of light. Fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy heavily rely on this device for their operations.

 

  1. Diffractive  Splitters

 

Diffractive beam splitters, or Damman gratings, are thin window like components that split a laser beam into an array of bams with precise separations and power ratios. Unlike 1-4 types of beam splitters, they do not have to split the beams at 90 degrees, but can rather generate small separation and a fan-out array of beams all going forward to the work plane. 

Applications of Optical Beam Splitters

Many fields rely on optical beam splitters as critical or necessary for operation. These tools’ basic light manipulation capabilities are vital in contemporary technological advancements.

 

  1. Laser Systems

 

In laser applications, multiple laser beam paths emerge from single beam distribution through use of diffractive beam splitters. The functionality is mandatory in applications such as laserskin treatment, perforation, and interferometry. High-power laser equipment commonly relies on anti-reflective diffractive beam splitters because of their effectiveness.

 

  1. Scientific Research

 

The scientific community depends on optical splitters as essential components for their experiments, mainly in fields such as quantum mechanics and optics. The operation of Michelson’s interferometer depends on beam splitters, which split and unite light paths to conduct precise distance and phase shift measurements.

 

  1. Biomedical Imaging

 

Chromatic Beam splitters in fluorescence microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) serve to transmit particular wavelengths towards a sample while acquiring the sample-produced emissions. Including optical filters in the splitter system improves the quality of imaging results. In applications such as STED microscopy, diffractive beam splitters generate arrays of donut illumination to enable faster scanning of samples. 

 

  1. Telecommunications

 

The signal routing and multiplexing operations in fiber optic communication systems depends on beam splitters. Wavelength-selective splitters extended data transfer capacity through simultaneous multiplexing of multiple data streams which run across single optic fibers.

 

  1. Optical Instrumentation

 

Beam splitters efficiently direct light beams in spectrometers and rangefinders. Semi conductor metrology often relies on diffractive beam splitter gratings to generate reference points with absolute angular accuracy. 

FAQs

 

  1. What is the difference between a cube and plate beam splitter?

 

The cube beam splitter is more robust during sensitive alignment procedures compared to plate beam splitters as it adds no beam deviation . For high power applications, a plate beam splitter is often referred  to their higher laser damage threshold compared to cube beam splitters. 

 

  1. How does polarization affect a beam splitter?

 

A polarizing beam splitter uses polarized light to determine its transmission and reflection outcomes. PBS devices are essential optical components because they apply specific polarization-based splitting to light signals for advanced systems. Other types of beam splitters are unaffected by polarization.

Conclusion

Current optical technology heavily utilized   optical beam splitters because they deliver exact light control in multiple applications. Engineers and scientists can select appropriate beam splitters for their applications by comprehending the operational mechanisms and practical implementations of the different beam splitter types. These flexible devices continue to influence future optical developments in laser systems while enhancing biomedical imaging and telecommunications applications.

Thermo Fisher Scientific marks ten-year anniversary of on-site wind turbine

Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, has today celebrated the ten-year anniversary of its on-site wind turbine in Currabinny, Cork. Providing 19% of the site’s electricity in 2023, the turbine has generated over 75,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity, the equivalent of powering approximately 17,000 homes for a year1, and led to the avoidance of over 44,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) for the grid.  

Standing at 100m tall with 50m blades, at the time, the Enercon 3MW wind turbine was the highest wind turbine tower in Ireland to date, taking almost 30,000 hours to construct. This project was supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. The turbine achieved full financial payback within six years, highlighting the project’s economic viability alongside its environmental benefits. 

Commenting on the anniversary at a dedicated on-site event, Edel Collins, General Manager at Thermo Fisher Cork, said: “This is a major milestone for the Cork site. When the turbine was first switched on ten years ago, it ignited our sustainability journey in earnest. Since then, our award-winning Energy Management Team has grown and has delivered further energy reductions of over 10,000 MWhs since 2022. 

“From its detailed construction process to its commissioning in 2014, this turbine exemplifies sustainable energy projects with tangible outcomes that are delivered through vision and collaboration. At Thermo Fisher, our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Thermo Fisher has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2050, and a 50.4% reduction of Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the year 2030. I look forward to what the next ten years will bring on our journey to a more sustainable future.” 

Michael Lohan, CEO at IDA Ireland said: “Sustainable projects like the Enercon 3MW wind turbine at Thermo Fisher’s Cork site are very much aligned to IDA Ireland’s renewable energy goals and sustainable economic growth. By integrating renewable energy generation into their operations, organisations like Thermo Fisher are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also setting a strong example for the industry.” 

The wind turbine is part of a long-term and enduring commitment to sustainability. The site has been ISO50001 Energy Management System certified since 2012 and over the past decade has delivered substantial energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. These projects include upgrades to the Heating Ventilation and Air Condition systems, thermal system upgrades, and replacing a waste heat boiler. This is in addition to long term commitment to the protecting and enhancing the local environment, a commitment that began in 1978 with the development of a bird shelter.    

As a Mission-driven company, Thermo Fisher understands that our obligation – and our opportunity – goes beyond enabling our customers’ success and extends to making the world a better place by supporting our communities, being a good steward of our planet and creating a great work environment for our colleagues.  To learn more about how our work supports our efforts to make a positive impact on society visit: www.thermofisher.com/CSR 

Thermo Fisher in Cork specialises in developing and manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients from formulation right through to market for a range of customers for use in life-changing treatments globally.  

Thermo Fisher Scientific has awarded a University College Cork student with the first Thermo Fisher Scientific Prize in Organic Chemistry

Thermo Fisher Scientific has awarded a University College Cork student with the first Thermo Fisher Scientific Prize in Organic Chemistry. Fourth year Chemistry student Ciara Millerick was presented with the inaugural award at the Annual UCC STEM Awards ceremony which took place on the UCC campus.  

To recognise her achievement, Ciara received a €1,000 cash prize along with a commemorative plaque. Open to all students that completed third year in Chemistry throughout the 2022/23 academic year, the prize will be awarded annually to the student who passes with the highest combined mark in the Organic Chemistry modules.  

Speaking ahead of the official award ceremony UCC STEM Awards ceremony, Siobhan Creedon, Thermo Fisher’s Director of Process Development, said: “We are proud to be here today to support the next generation of young budding chemists. It’s an honour to present Ciara with the Thermo Fisher Scientific Prize in Organic Chemistry.  

“Each year we are blown away by the calibre of students that come through the School of Chemistry in UCC. Over the years we have invited many UCC Chemistry graduates to join our team in our Ringaskiddy site and we are consistently impressed by the level of excellence demonstrated. Their dedication and hard work are a testament to the quality of education and support provided by faculty members at University College Cork, and we have no doubt that they will continue to make significant contrib autions to the field of chemistry and beyond.”  

Professor Anita Maguire, Head of School of Chemistry at UCC, said: “We are truly appreciative of the support from Thermo Fisher Scientific for our students, through work placements and other interactions, and now their additional commitment with the launch of their prize. 

“On behalf of the School of Chemistry, I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Ciara for receiving this award. Ciara was an active member of the Chemical Society and regularly assisted in the organisation of events to help spread her passion for chemistry. Ciara – we are extremely proud to count you among our students. Your success is an inspiration to all in the School and we look forward to seeing you continue to make great strides in your academic and professional pursuits.” 

Thermo Fisher currently has approximately 1,200 working across its Irish operations. The active pharmaceutical ingredient development and manufacturing site in Cork is part of its Pharma Services business and is expert in taking chemistry from laboratory scale development through to clinical and large-scale commercial manufacturing.   

Thermo Fisher Scientific launches 2023 Apprenticeship Programme

Global life sciences company Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced the launch of its 2023 Apprenticeship Programme. Delivered in partnership with further education and training agency SOLAS, applications are open until 24 March. Information on the programme is available at https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/ireland-apprentice-programme. 

Seeking applicants from across Munster, the four-year salaried programme at the contract pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at Currabinny, Carrigaline, Cork, is for anyone interested in an Electrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeship or Mechanical Apprenticeship where they can earn while they learn. 

Speaking on the exciting 2023 Apprenticeship Programme, Lead Craftsperson and Apprentice Programme Coordinator at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Declan Carroll said: “The apprenticeship programme provides participants with a valuable opportunity to embark on a career in STEM.  

“The Electrical and Instrumentation Apprentices and Mechanical Apprentices form a core part of the greater Thermo Fisher Scientific team, aiding in the maintenance of site facilities, assisting to design, install and test new apparatus that keep our operations going. Once the apprentices complete their training, they are recognised as accredited and qualified craftspeople ready to take the next step in their careers in a thriving industry. Fortunately, because our apprentices become such an integrated part of our team, many of them continue to work with us after receiving their qualification. 

“We appreciate that people like to learn in different ways, and this programme provides people with a chance to actively learn on the job, applying what they have learned in real life settings and earning a salary while doing so.”  

The apprentices’ time will be divided between the Cork site where they will complete on-the-job training and at training centres and third level institutes where they will complete the SOLAS curriculum modules. Successful apprentices will be awarded an internationally recognised apprenticeship (Level 6 Advanced Certificate) at the end of the programme and be eligible for consideration for entry into a related Level 7 and 8 Degree programmes provided by the Institutes of Technology. 

Caoimhe Ryan, who is currently in the Electrical & Instrumentation apprenticeship programme, said: “What drew my attention to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s apprenticeship programme was having the ability to earn and learn at the same time.  

“I have always had a keen interest in trying to understand how things work. As an apprentice, we get to see engineering put into action every day. What I enjoy most about the programme is, not only do we get the opportunity to learn the theoretical side of the industry and how things work, but we get apply our learnings and put them into practice straight away.” 

Thermo Fisher currently has approximately 500 working at its Cork site. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of more than $40 billion. With a global team of more than 100,000. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.