Note: when purchasing small electrical components, check the q value (a measurement of a resonant system's relative bandwidth) and frequency response of the component. We want the resonant frequency of the device to be far from the frequencies we use to drive our systems. For example, for AO modulation we use RF signals in the hundreds of MHz so a device with resonant frequencies in the higher GHz range would be good.

Chem Store: An on campus shop that we seem to use mostly for buying small vials to hold components.

EE Shop: A shop near our lab that is the first place we should check for components, as it is the fastest and usually cheapest place to get anything. Joe, who works at the EE Shop, is also available to help to find components in the shop, or online.

Ali Express: A simplified version of Alibaba, making it easier to shop while having cheaper prices than most sites. http://www.aliexpress.com/

Ebay: A great place to get cheaper or used components. http://www.ebay.com/

Surplus Shed: Surplus Shed supplies surplus, used, and unused optical and electronic bargains for fun, hobby, education or profit. http://www.surplusshed.com/

Thor Labs: Thorlabs specializes in the building blocks for laser and fiber optic systems. https://www.thorlabs.com/

Newport: A producer of high quality optics. http://www.newport.com/

American Sci & Surplus: It's like a more advanced Thinkgeek. http://www.sciplus.com/

MJPA: Online shopping site for electrical supplies and equipment. http://www.mpja.com/

Jame Co.: Electronic components distributor offering semiconductors, passives, interconnects, electromechanical, power supplies, test and measurement equipment. http://www.jameco.com/

Mc. Master Caar: McMaster-Carr supplies products used to maintain manufacturing plants and large commercial facilities worldwide. http://www.mcmaster.com/