Services

We are an optical component and system design company with the ability to shepherd your idea from the initial feasibility study, through the prototype phase, and finally into production. Coming from the optical product start-up world we are familiar with the needs of small businesses, especially those that are unfamiliar with optics. We can provide education and sourcing support for your optic or assembly. Additionally, we can support your in-house optical assembly and alignment efforts. Having an experimental background in optics research and development, we can also design and support your laboratory experiment or test fixturing.

Fennario Photonics uses the current versions of Zemax OpticStudio® Premium for optical design, tolerancing, and analysis. MathWorks MATLAB® when numerical support is needed. Additionally, we use SolidWorks for the creation of unusual optical components, like waveguides, and for CAD support within OpticStudio®.

Initial discussion — Free
Rate: $125 / hour

FAQs

Do I really need an Optical Engineer?

If your idea/product uses light in any manner then Yes.
Optics/Optical Engineering is a unique specialty usually with a background in Physics. Light has a duel nature as a particle and as a wave. Often we can treat light as a particle and be just fine. However, there are times when the wave nature of light needs to be taken into account.

When is the best time to engage an Optical Engineer?

At the very beginning of product design.
Very often the optical and photonics components with placement parameters will dictate mechanics and overall form factor. Additionally, component lead time can be substantial, especially if custom. Better to tackle these design parameters early in the design process.

What is the difference between Contractor and Consultant?

Very little. Here is my take.
Consultation is a little more high level discussion and suggestion on a course of action for optic and system architecture. Consultation can also include writing How To documentation, vendor sourcing, and other optical engineering best practices.
Contracting is the engineering of the desired optic or system utilizing design and analysis software. Contracting is often a longer term relationship.

Fennario Photonics charges the same rate regardless of the role. Especially considering for a one person operation there is often large overlap.

What is the difference between “Optics” and “Photonics”?

Optics are generally the passive components that interact with light, e.g., lenses and mirrors.
Photonics encompasses light from generation (like lasers), detection (like cameras), and many other technologies that manipulate light. Photonics references active components, that is, those that use electricity/electrons.

At Fennario Photonics we are familiar with a wide variety of optical and photonic devices. A partial list is included on the home page.

What is “Fennario”?

Fennario is a place referred to folklore and song that references no place in particular. Living in a remote mountains location and enjoying visiting even more remote locations I was always drawn to this term.

Several fun links:
Frontier Partisans
The Bonnie Lass o’Fyvie
Pretty Peggy-O

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FAQs

Services