Synthetic Beam Chopper

Optical beam choppers have numerous applications and are ubiquitous in scientific and industrial equipment. The present technology improves the state-of-the-art for modulation and lock-in amplification using mechanical beam choppers. The system achieves world class performance with lower limits of detection, decreased need for mechanical precision and decreased cost. Because of the high performance and low cost, the system may replace existing technology in current applications, and it may also enable the development of new products that are not currently feasible or economical with current technology.