optical bench

American  

noun

1. an apparatus, as a special table or rigid beam, for the precise positioning of light sources, screens, and optical instruments used for optical and photometric studies, having a ruled bar to which these devices can be attached and along which they can be readily adjusted.

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optical bench British  

noun

1. an apparatus fitted for experimentation in optics, typically consisting of a table and an adjustable arrangement of light source, lenses, prisms, etc

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Etymology

Origin of optical bench

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

With an optical bench, the researchers use technology originally developed for astronomy, such as adaptive optics mirrors and spatial light modulators, to manipulate the optics of the eye as an intraocular lens would.

From Science Daily • Sep. 21, 2023

For starters, the setup would require a square meter’s worth of optical elements precisely aligned on an optical bench, Steinberg says.

From Scientific American • Jul. 2, 2021

The radiating apparatus and the receiver are mounted on stands sliding in an optical bench.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2 "Ehud" to "Electroscope" by Various

Attachment for spectroscopic examinations, to be used on the optical bench and in connection with the lamp of the projection apparatus No. 117.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst