Critical Frequency Design’s Post

We are excited that Shayla Breedlove, PhD will be featured as part of the Optics and Photonics Panel Discussion on October 24 hosted by the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce as part of their Space Coast Alliance for Tech & Innovation (SCATI) event series. Join us and learn more about the growing impact of optics and photonics in the technology and defense sectors. The panel will be moderated by Barron Mills, Executive Director of the Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC).  To learn more or register for the event, click here - https://lnkd.in/eMwRU9qj, To learn more about CFD's expertise in optics and photonics, visit www.criticalfrequency.com

CFD Photonics in a Flash: Passive vs. Active Photonic Integrated Circuits In the world of photonics, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are revolutionizing how we design communication and sensing systems. There are two types of PICs – passive and active. What’s the Difference? - Passive PICs: These circuits don’t require external energy to operate. They manage the transmission of light through components like waveguides and filters—ideal for low-energy, highly efficient applications. - Active PICs: Active circuits can manipulate light by amplifying or modulating it. They require an external energy source and are key to systems that need real-time data processing, like lasers, modulators and photodetectors. Both passive and active PICs are crucial for the high-performance systems we develop at CFD, giving us the flexibility to design solutions for a range of defense applications. Learn more at: www.criticalfrequency.com. #PhotonicIntegratedCircuits  #CFDPhotonicsInAFlash  #DefenseInnovation #SolutionsAtTheSpeedofLight 

As promising as microwave photonics is, integrating it into existing defense systems presents unique challenges. It requires understanding both the existing and new technologies while also understanding the underlying mission requirements.  Key challenges include: - Upholding compatibility with legacy systems: ensuring microwave photonics solutions can work with older systems without overhauling the entire infrastructure. - Preserving signal integrity: maintaining high levels of signal integrity while integrating advanced photonics components into existing frameworks. - Maintaining or reducing size, weight, and power (SWaP): keeping systems efficient and functional while introducing new technology, especially in mission-critical environments. At Critical Frequency Design, we understand both our customers' missions and the capabilities of the new technologies. We convert the language and needs of our customers into performance requirements. And once the technology is developed, we help retrofit it into existing systems.  Learn more at: www.criticalfrequency.com. #MicrowavePhotonics #SystemsIntegration #DefenseInnovation #CriticalFrequencyDesign

Critical Frequency Design is pleased to welcome Randy Boozer to the team as our Microwave Photonics Portfolio Manager! Randy possesses decades of experience with multiple development programs for space and airborne systems for government customers. Randy earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the @Georgia Institute of Technology. Please join us in welcoming Randy to the CFD team!  Interested in your next career challenge? Check out our current career openings at https://lnkd.in/eDmEcxTP #SolutionsAtTheSpeedofLight 

CFD Photonics in a Flash: Understanding Lasers Lasers are everywhere in modern technology, but they’re especially crucial in the world of photonics.  At Critical Frequency Design, lasers are at the core of many of our advanced communication and sensing solutions. How Do Lasers Work? Lasers produce a focused beam of light that’s incredibly powerful and precise. This makes them ideal for applications like: - Communication: Transmitting vast amounts of data quickly and securely. - Sensing: Offering high-precision measurements in defense and aerospace environments. - Targeting and Ranging: Used in systems that require pinpoint accuracy. At CFD, we leverage laser technology to push the boundaries of what’s possible in defense systems.  Learn more at: www.criticalfrequency.com. #Photonics #CFDPhotonicsInAFlash #DefenseInnovation #SolutionsAtTheSpeedofLight

The pace of communications technology is advancing rapidly, and the next major leap forward?  Microwave photonics. As defense applications continue to demand faster, more secure and more efficient communication systems, microwave photonics is emerging as the key technology that will shape the future.  How will microwave photonics revolutionize key applications? -- Provides Enhanced Signal Processing: Microwave photonics enables high-bandwidth signal processing, which is essential for radar, electronic warfare, and communication systems, ensuring faster, more accurate data handling. -- Enables Interference Mitigation: In congested and contested environments, microwave photonics offers superior interference suppression, making it ideal for military operations where signal clarity and reliability are paramount. -- Delivers a Smaller Form Factor: This technology reduces size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements compared to traditional systems, making defense systems more efficient and easier to deploy in the field. At Critical Frequency Design, we’re leading the way in microwave photonics, developing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of defense communication, radar and electronic warfare systems. Learn more at: www.criticalfrequency.com. #MicrowavePhotonics #DefenseInnovation #SolutionsAtTheSpeedofLight

Critical Frequency Design is pleased to welcome Mark Koontz to the team as chief engineer supporting our Free Space Optics product line! Mark brings over 45 years of industry experience in electro-optics, optics, nuclear physics and RF engineering to our team. Mark earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in physics and master's degree and doctorate degree in electrical engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology of Technology. Please join us in welcoming Mark to the CFD team!  #SolutionsAtTheSpeedofLight

CFD Photonics in a Flash: Understanding Electro-Optic Modulators At Critical Frequency Design, we’re passionate about sharing knowledge and advancing the field of photonics so we are starting CFD Photonics in a Flash. Today, we’re diving into a key technology that forms the foundation of microwave photonics—Electro-Optic Modulators (EOMs). What is an Electro-Optic Modulator? In simple terms, an electro-optic modulator (EOM) is a device that can control the properties of light, such as its intensity, phase, or polarization, by applying an electrical signal. This capability is crucial in converting microwave signals into optical signals, which can then be processed at the speed of light. Why are EOMs Important? --High-Speed Communication: EOMs allow for the rapid modulation of light, enabling high-speed data transmission in advanced communication systems. --Integration with Photonics: These modulators are essential for integrating microwave systems with optical technologies, leading to more compact, efficient, and powerful systems. --Versatility: EOMs are used in a variety of applications, from radar systems to secure communications, making them a key technology in the defense and aerospace sectors. How Do They Work? Think of an EOM as a gatekeeper for light. By applying a voltage, you can change the way light passes through the modulator, effectively encoding information onto the light wave. This modulated light can then carry data over long distances with minimal loss and high fidelity. At CFD, we’re not just developing cutting-edge technologies; we’re also committed to educating and empowering the next generation of innovators. Stay tuned for more insights in CFD Photonics in a Flash! #ElectroOpticModulators #Photonics #CFDPhotonicsInAFlash #SolutionsAtTheSpeedofLight

Avoiding Part Obsolescence: It’s All About Understanding the Mission  At Critical Frequency Design, we get it—your mission depends on every single component working flawlessly. We know how tough it can be to qualify parts for defense systems, especially when obsolescence is a constant concern—something that can be amplified when introducing new technology. Here’s how we ensure you’re covered: --We Know Your Mission: We take the time to truly understand what’s at stake for you. Your mission drives our focus from start to finish. --We Understand the Qualification Process: With years of experience in qualifying parts for defense, we know the ins and outs of what’s required. We make sure everything we select meets the highest standards and is robust and reliable.  --We've Built a Solid Supply Chain: We've planned ahead and built a strong, robust supply chain, minimizing the risk of shortages or obsolete parts when you need them most. At CFD, our job is to make sure you can focus on your mission, knowing we’ve got your back with technology that’s built to last. Discover more about how we keep your systems running smoothly: www.criticalfrequency.com #DefenseInnovation #MissionCritical #SupplyChain #SolutionsAtTheSpeedofLight

SAVE THE DATE!  We are excited to host the Florida Photonics Cluster (FPC) Photonics Cluster (FPC) and Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) Florida (MACF) at our facility on November 8.  Keep an eye on LinkedIn and their websites for more information!