The Different Types of Optical Shutters


Optical shutters are mechanical or electronic devices that control the time a light-sensitive material is exposed to radiation. There are several types of optical shutters, including:

  1. Rotor drive shutters: These shutters use a motor to rotate a disk with an aperture to regulate the amount of light that enters.

  2. Flag shutters: These shutters use a flag that is moved in and out of the light path to control the amount of light that passes through.

  3. Stepper shutters: These shutters use a stepper motor to move a blade in and out of the light path to control the amount of light that passes through.

  4. Solenoid shutters: These shutters use a solenoid to move a blade in and out of the light path to control the amount of light that passes through.


These optical shutters are used in various applications, including laser safety, thermography, and laboratory research. Optical shutter is used in various applications, including laser safety, thermography, and laboratory research. In laser safety applications, optical shutters are used to protect the eyes from laser radiation. In thermography, optical shutters control the volume of heat a substance absorbs. In laboratory research, optical shutter is used to control the amount of light that is absorbed by a sample.

Mechanical optical shutters are typically more reliable than electronic, optical shutters but are also more expensive. Electronic, optical shutter is less expensive, but they are also less reliable. The choice between mechanical and electronic optical shutters depends on the specific application and the budget.

However while they may be reliable there are also some problems associated with them:

  • One common problem with optical shutter is that they can become stuck in the open or closed position.


This can be caused by dirt or debris in the shutter mechanism or wear and tear on the shutter components. Therefore, it is essential to keep the shutter mechanism clean and well-maintained to prevent this problem.

  • Another common problem with optical shutters is that they can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.


Therefore, to ensure that the shutter operates correctly, it is essential to choose a shutter designed to withstand the environmental conditions of the application.

  • Optical shutters are often coated with various materials to improve their performance.


For example, some shutters are coated with anti-reflective coatings to reduce the light reflected in the optical system. Other shutters are coated with materials that improve their sturdiness and resistance against damage.

Conclusion

Optical shutters are mechanical or electronic devices that control the time a light-sensitive material is exposed to radiation. . There are several optical shutters, including rotor drive, flag, stepper, and solenoid shutters. The optical shutter is used in various applications, including laser safety, thermography, and laboratory research. The choice between mechanical and electronic optical shutters depends on the specific application and the budget. To ensure that the shutter operates correctly, it is essential to choose a shutter designed to withstand the application's environmental conditions and keep the shutter mechanism clean and well-maintained. Finally, optical shutter is often coated with various materials to improve performance.

Since 1987, NM Laser Products, Inc. has been at the forefront of optical shutter technology advancements. The company specializes in engineering and manufacturing electromechanical optical shutters and controllers that are both reliable and safe. NM Laser Products caters to OEMs and researchers across a diverse range of global markets, addressing production and integration challenges for each of their clients.

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