An introduction

Optical devices are all around us, from the zoom lens of a camera to optical instruments in a spacecraft. The knowledge used to develop these systems comes from optomechanics, a combination of optical and mechanical engineering. Opto-mechanical engineers combine optical and mechanical engineering to develop optical systems and devices such as lasers and lenses. Due to their wide range of applications in both the High-Tech industry and day-to-day technology, optical systems often have to meet tight requirements in terms of shape and size while being resistant to all kinds of external loads. This makes the development and production of optical devices a challenge. Optomechanical engineers need to come up with solutions for these challenges, using their knowledge of the physical properties of light in addition to understanding the principles of mechanical engineering.

Optomechanical applications

Optical devices use light to measure or observe their surroundings, or to receive or send information. Applications are found in the imaging optics, lasers and fibers and lighting and illumination sectors. Optical sensors, cameras, microscopes, CD’s and lenses are some examples of optical devices that have some component of optomechanical engineering.

The role of FEA

Optical systems oftentimes have to be able to function properly in all kinds of conditions, resist all kinds of loads and sometimes fit in difficult spaces. These are tolerance specifications that can be difficult to meet and as a result optical systems are often very complex. By using highly accurate simulation models to analyze the performance of these systems when subjected to external loads, temperature changes or different pressures, your design can be optimized for its own specific application. By both understanding the simulation process and the underlying physics Femto engineers are able to assess optical and mechanical design properties and how they interact. By analyzing visual models we can help you reduce design iterations and physical prototypes.

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