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Press Release

Knight Optical increases stock and custom optics for LiDAR applications

Date Announced: 10 Aug 2017

Recently development of vehicular LiDAR systems have taken off. These are systems for adaptive cruise control, whereby the system identifies the distance of the vehicle in front and applies the breaks to slow or stop the vehicle automatically. Taking this idea forward, more recently LIDAR’s have been used in driver-less cars. Whereby the system produce autonomous vehicles which can perform complex manoeuvers and drive in public with little or no input from a user.

Knight Optical also offers as BK7 is one of the most widely used optical glasses available for use in the range from visible up to the near infrared. Making it ideal as a protective window for Wind LiDAR systems which operate at 1500-1560nm. The BK7 can offer an uncoated average transmission of 92% between 300nm and 2000nm.

Additionally the BK7 is a cost effective precision glass, part of the borosilicate family, which therefore ensures you have a window fit for purpose.

  • Stock sizes from 5mm to 75mm diameter; between 1.5mm – 8mm thick.

  • Custom shapes and sizes available to quotation.

  • Edging down to smaller diameters, square and rectangular apertures.

LiDAR systems are used in monitoring wind speeds and directions on proposed and existing wind farm sites. This leads to wind farm optimizations through resulting increases in energy outputs. This gain in performance is achieved from the LiDAR system which is mounted to the nacelle of wind turbines automating the adjustment of blades to increase energy generations. The adjustments to the blades are due to the Doppler LiDAR system measuring the frequency shift of the backscattered light and thus calculating the wind velocity.

Airborne LiDAR systems are also used in surveying and for topographical measurements. Using the LiDAR system a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) or Digital Elevation Model (DEM) can be produced. These are typically 3D representations of a terrain’s surface. The system is typically integrated onto a plane which would then pulse a laser signal onto the terrain and dependent on the elevation of the surface, this would influence how long the pulse would return to the detector. These Airborne systems typically have protective windows which Knight Optical can provide with hydrophobic coatings and AR topcoat which allows for maximum signal return without the worry of pollution or condensation in the atmosphere.

LiDAR systems have also been the bane for many motorists where this technology have been utilized in traffic speed law enforcement. These systems are used as traffic speed law enforcement camera systems which can be found on motorways and major highways globally. Additionally they can be miniaturized into handheld systems which can accurately monitor the speed of single passing cars. These LiDAR systems are often integrated in conjunction with Automatic Number Plate Reading (ANPR) systems which allows for a traffic enforce to quickly determine the offending vehicle and to automate the ticketing enforcement process.

A typical spec for n-BK7 or equivalent Windows

.Typical specs:

Material:                                                   N-BK7 or equivalent
Diameter Tolerance:                               +0.0/-0.15 mm
Length/Width Tolerance:                       +/- 0.10mm
Thickness Tolerance:                               +/-0.10mm
Transmission:                                           Tavg=92% dependant on substrate thickness

Contact our technical sales team to discover how Knight Optical’s high quality N-BK7 or equivalent window and superior service can improve your instrumentation and supply chain experience.

UK, Europe, Asia & RoW: E-Mail info@knightoptical.co.uk Tel +44 (0)1622 859444

USA & Canada: E-Mail usasales@knightoptical.com Tel +001 401-583-7846



Contact


Knight Optical (USA) LLC
1130 Ten Rod Road
Suite D102
North Kingstown
Rhode Island 02852
usasales@knightoptical.com 
Telephone: (001)401-583-7846
Fax: (001) 401-583-7851

E-mail: mike.sharpe@knightoptical.com

Web Site: www.knightoptical.com

 
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