9 Optical Probe Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for optical probes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 optical probe manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked optical probe companies as of April, 2024: 1.FormFactor, Inc., 2.AMOtronics UG (haftungsbeschränkt), 3.Keysight Technologies.
Table of Contents
What Is an Optical Probe?
An optical probe is an advanced device that improves upon traditional electrolytic probes by excluding metal elements from the sensor part. They leverage electro-optical effects for precise measurements and evaluations. Key features include their non-invasive nature, which does not disturb electric fields or pick up noise. The sensor head is small, operates without a power supply, and can measure a wide range of information such as frequency, phase, and intensity. Moreover, they function without interference, even in the presence of surrounding metal.
Uses of Optical Probes
Optical probes find applications in devices like controllers, oscilloscopes, and endoscopes. They are versatile in measuring various data for investigation and analysis purposes through optical means. Applications include, but are not limited to:
1. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Measurement
SAR quantifies the energy absorbed by the human body when exposed to electromagnetic waves above 100 kHz. Measurements, based on standards, are performed on a phantom mirroring the human body's electrical characteristics. This is crucial for assessing energy absorption in the body from proximity use of small wireless devices like smartphones.
2. Plasma Measurement
Optical probes are instrumental in measuring plasma, which forms by applying a strong electric field to a gas of charged particles. They enable local electric field measurements within the plasma.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
They are also used in MRI to measure human exposure to electromagnetic fields, ensuring accurate measurements under strong magnetic fields. Other applications include measuring pulsed and ultra-strong electric fields in EMC design and simulation model verification.
Principles of Optical Probes
1. The Pockels Effect
Optical probes incorporate EO crystals utilizing the Pockels effect, where the material's refractive index changes with an external voltage, affecting the polarization rate. In the absence of an electric field, light maintains its polarization upon reflection from an EO crystal. However, the applied electric field alters the crystal's refractive index, changing the incident light's polarization state. An analyzer measuring the polarized light's intensity provides a signal proportional to the electric field intensity.
2. Impact on the Electric Field to Be Measured
Unlike dipole antennas, optical probes use crystals in their sensors, thus not disturbing the measured electric field. Dipole antennas, which consist of two straight conductors and are made of metal, can scatter radio waves, causing disturbances. Optical probes avoid this issue, ensuring undisturbed electric field measurements.
Composition of Optical Probes
The optical probe's tip comprises the EO crystal, optical fiber, ferrule, collimator lens, and dielectric reflective film. This assembly facilitates precise and noise-immune measurements.
1. EO Crystal
Typically 1 mm square, the EO crystal's compact size allows for the measurement of minute areas, a significant advantage over the longer antenna lengths of field probes that use dipole antennas.
2. Optical Fiber
Connected to the EO crystal through a collimator lens and ferrule, the optical fiber ensures signal transmission without noise interference. It enables the conversion of voltage signals into optical signals for long-distance, frequency-independent transmission.
3. Dielectric Reflective Film
Attached to the EO crystal's tip, this film reflects the linearly polarized light injected into the crystal. A photodiode converts the reflected light into an electrical signal, which is then amplified. The electrical signal's output is proportional to the polarization change, allowing the calculation of the electric field's intensity and phase with spectrum analyzers or similar instruments.
List of 9 Optical Probe Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Germany
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Turkey
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FormFactor, Inc.
Light Wave Probe
Manufacturer Overview
FormFactor, based in Elmsford, New York, is a manufacturer and supplier of IC test and measurement technologies such as probe systems, analytical probes, probe cards, metrology tools, and quantum cryogenics since 1993. Their probe systems are available in 150 mm, 200 mm, and 300 mm and are used in cryogenic, open, pressure, shielded, and vacuum environments. They offer probe cards with a minimum pitch of between 50um to 250um for DRAM, flash, logic, optical, and parametric applications. These products enable inspection, characterization, debugging, and testing in 5G & 6G communications, automotive, computing, data centers, & quantum, and aerospace & defense industries.
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Keysight Technologies
Other Probes and Probe Accessories
Company Overview
Keysight Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1939 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California. Keysight is a global developer and manufacturer of electronic design and test solutions to communications, networking, aerospace, defense, and government, automotive, energy, semiconductor, electronic, and education industries. Keysight’s communications solutions group solutions include electronic design automation software; radio frequency and microwave test solutions, hardware and virtual network test platforms and software applications, as well as optical laser source solutions. Keysight’s electronic industrial solutions group offers various design tools and verification tools. Keysight offers product support, technical support, and training and consulting services. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, resellers, and manufacturer's representatives.
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LANG GmbH & Co. KG
OMP 40
Manufacturer Overview
LANG GmbH & Co. KG is an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer of CNC systems and machines that was established in Hüttenberg, Germany, in 1972. The company primarily produces laser technology products for welding, cutting, or marking operations, and milling technology products for machining or engraving processes. It also offers digitizing systems for recording and replicating the shapes or surfaces of physical objects, along with CAD/CAM software to complement its portfolio products. The company chiefly serves its clients in Europe’s semiconductor, wafer manufacturing, and microscopy industries.
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Instrument Systems GmbH
Optical Probes
Manufacturer Overview
Instrument Systems GmbH, founded in 1986, is a manufacturer headquartered in Munich, Germany, specializing in spectral light measurement solutions. The company's product lineup includes a range of colorimeters, spectrometers, and photometers. The company also offers goniophotometers, imaging colorimeters, and infrared testing cameras. Software packages, including calibration software for precise radiometric measurements, along with power sources and other accessories, are also available. The company serves various industries, supplying products for automotive interior and exterior lighting, addressing blue light hazard concerns, and facilitating display characterization processes.
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SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd.
Optical E-Field Sensor/Optical Probe
Manufacturer Overview
SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd., a company founded on June 7, 1972, and headquartered in Chiba, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of optical components and equipment. The company specializes in the development and production of fiber optic connectors, fusion splicers, and related products for the telecommunications and data communication industries. Their products are used for fiber optic connections in various applications, including telecommunication networks, data centers, and optical sensing systems. The company also offers customer services including prompt and responsive communication to address inquiries and technical assistance.
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TEKTRONIX, INC.
Optical Probes - High Bandwidth
Manufacturer Overview
TEKTRONIX, INC., founded in 1946, is a manufacturer of measurement solutions used in 3D sensing, EMI/ EMC testing, high-speed serial communication, material science engineering, and Wireless & RF testing. The products include oscilloscopes & probes, signal generators, margin testers, multimeters, and analyzers. The company's products are used in advanced research, aerospace & defense, automotive, power semiconductor, and medical industries. The Bracknell Berkshire company offers calibration, repair, asset management, package assembling, and testing services following NEMA, HAlT & HASS, environmental, and shock-vibration testing.
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AMOtronics UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Fiber coupled measuring probe - SATURN Satellite
Company Overview
AMOtronics, established in 1993 and headquartered in Aachen, Germany, is a manufacturer and distributor of measurement and control solutions. Their products, including transient recorders, sequencers, delay generators, and software, enable precise measurement, monitoring, and control in various applications. The SATURN Transient Recorders and SATURN Studio II software provide user-friendly platforms for modular and extensible measuring systems. These solutions meet special demands like analyzing large data sets, synchronizing acquisition channels, and withstanding strong electromagnetic fields. AMOtronics serves industries such as energy, aerospace, automotive, and defense, supporting research and industrial projects to enhance efficiency and safety.
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Optical Probe Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of April 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FormFactor, Inc. |
41.2%
|
| 2 | AMOtronics UG (haftungsbeschränkt) |
29.4%
|
| 3 | Keysight Technologies |
11.8%
|
| 4 | TEKTRONIX, INC. |
11.8%
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| 5 | Instrument Systems GmbH |
5.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the optical probe page as of April 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- FormFactor, Inc.: 2,300
- SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd.: 941
Newly Established Company
- FormFactor, Inc.: 1993 (31 years ago)
- Instrument Systems GmbH: 1986 (38 years ago)
- SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd.: 1972 (52 years ago)
Company with a History
- TEKTRONIX, INC.: 1946 (78 years ago)
- SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd.: 1972 (52 years ago)
- LANG GmbH & Co. KG: 1972 (52 years ago)
Optical Probe Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of Optical Probe Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
Germany
|
3 | 37.5% |
United States of America
|
2 | 25.0% |
Japan
|
1 | 12.5% |
Republic of Korea
|
1 | 12.5% |
Turkey
|
1 | 12.5% |
List of Optical Probe Products
1 product is listed.
Wave Crest
EMF measurement solution in a harsh environment optical probe, optical world sensor eoProbe
Last viewed: 2 hours ago
■ Characteristics ・ The KapteOS system has achieved innovative electric field measurements with electrical optical probes and high -end converters...
