Ross Optical Blog: The Latest News & Research

Opto-mechanics refers to the mechanical design of optical systems. Opto-mechanical design is sometimes dismissed as little more than "wrapping metal" around the optics, but that perspective is detrimental to building the best operating optical instrument.

Kanban, a method used to visualize and optimize workflows, has long been a key part of Ross' processes. Kanban has 5 core properties: (1) visualize workflow, (2) limit work-in-progress, (3) manage flow, (4) make process policies explicit, and (5) improve collaboratively. At Ross, we help you with 3–5 so that you can focus on 1 and 2. When managing and delivering optics inventory to customers, we aim to:

A “glass map” is often the first tool in optical design. The map is a quick way to determine a suitable range of optical materials in terms of refractive index (n) and dispersion (“Abbe number”, “nu number”, or “V-number”). Finding the ideal region on the glass map is only the first step, though. Several “non-optical” factors must be balanced to determine which materials are most promising. We’ll consider 5 of the most important.

Erika has been with Ross Optical for 7 years. From our quality management system to our thorough optical inspection process, Erika helps ensure that our products meet customer requirements as well as our own high quality standards.

Because cylindrical and spherical optics both have circular profiles when viewed end-on, it is a common misconception that identical production methods apply to both. Both methods do use similar principles of grinding and polishing, but there are a number of very important differences. Here are three of the most significant areas of difference.

For years, Ross Optical has been supplying catalog cylinders and optical cylinder sets to customers in laser diode, measurement instrumentation, and other industries. While cylinders are used in a broad range of applications, we are seeing the most recent demand for their use in line generators.

Regardless of whether a business works directly or indirectly with the US government, it is critical to follow ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations). As we noted in a previous article, ITAR is a moving target, and it is inarguably frustrating to keep abreast of the latest developments. That said, we have noticed that maintaining our ITAR compliance has had a "ripple effect" on other aspects of our business practices. Here are four indirect business improvements we have seen because of ITAR compliance.

Innovative optical technology arises from fresh design concepts. Those designs often hinge on the performance of a specific optical element, but sometimes that component can be hard to find. Perhaps the part is only available in limited quantities. Perhaps it has been discontinued. Perhaps the optical element exists, but the specifications are out of line with the design tolerances. Regardless of the reason, absence of a specific part can kill some projects.

Ross Optical is the investigator to hire when you’re looking for something no one else can find. Here’s why:

Delivering on Quality

Ross is the premier source for high quality, hard-to-find optics. Far from being just a vendor, Ross Optical has the capability to polish optics to meet your requirements. We also offer a full range of optical coatings (from 250 to 2400 in-house), as well as assembly services for multi-element optical systems and subassemblies.

Do offshore vendors scare you? Time zones and languages! Shipping schedules and quality control! International Customs and ITAR regulations! Worrying about all of those factors can make you want to avoid offshore suppliers completely, regardless of cost benefits. Rather than hiding under a blanket and hoping these fears go away, maybe you just need someone to turn on a light. Offshore vendor management is one of Ross’s key services. Here’s how we make it work.