Picarin lens
Encyclopedia
Picarin is a plastic
used to make optics such as lens
es for terahertz radiation
(THz radiation). Picarin is useful for this purpose because it is highly transparent in both the THz and visible spectral
ranges. The refractive index
of Picarin is almost the same for THz (n=1.52) and visible light (n=1.52). It is very strong mechanically, and withstands optical polishing
.
Unpolished Picarin Lenses offer the best performance at 2-7 THz spectral range. Unfortunately, unpolished surfaces scatter visible and near-IR light.
A version which can be polished is sold as Tsurupica..
Plastic
A plastic material is any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids used in the manufacture of industrial products. Plastics are typically polymers of high molecular mass, and may contain other substances to improve performance and/or reduce production costs...
used to make optics such as lens
Lens (optics)
A lens is an optical device with perfect or approximate axial symmetry which transmits and refracts light, converging or diverging the beam. A simple lens consists of a single optical element...
es for terahertz radiation
Terahertz radiation
In physics, terahertz radiation refers to electromagnetic waves propagating at frequencies in the terahertz range. It is synonymously termed submillimeter radiation, terahertz waves, terahertz light, T-rays, T-waves, T-light, T-lux, THz...
(THz radiation). Picarin is useful for this purpose because it is highly transparent in both the THz and visible spectral
Spectrum
A spectrum is a condition that is not limited to a specific set of values but can vary infinitely within a continuum. The word saw its first scientific use within the field of optics to describe the rainbow of colors in visible light when separated using a prism; it has since been applied by...
ranges. The refractive index
Refractive index
In optics the refractive index or index of refraction of a substance or medium is a measure of the speed of light in that medium. It is expressed as a ratio of the speed of light in vacuum relative to that in the considered medium....
of Picarin is almost the same for THz (n=1.52) and visible light (n=1.52). It is very strong mechanically, and withstands optical polishing
Polishing
Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action, leaving a surface with a significant specular reflection In some materials polishing is also able to reduce diffuse reflection to...
.
Unpolished Picarin Lenses offer the best performance at 2-7 THz spectral range. Unfortunately, unpolished surfaces scatter visible and near-IR light.
A version which can be polished is sold as Tsurupica..