LASER OPTICS In association with
An introduction to laser optics
www.lasersystemseurope.com/technologies/optics
A brief overview of the many types of optics used to focus and manipulate beams in laser systems
Aside from the laser source itself, optics are one of the most important aspects of a laser system. They are used to focus, manipulate and shape laser light into beams with parameters tailored for a wide range of applications. They are therefore essential in all aspects of laser usage, from the cutting, welding, marking and additive manufacturing tasks of laser-based manufacturing, to the high-energy physics experiments of research institutes and the various laser treatments available in medicine. Laser optics are available in a staggering number of varieties, so much so that the catalogue of our sponsor for this article, Edmund Optics, is no less than 170 pages long – boasting a countless array of
“Laser optics are used to focus, manipulate and shape laser light into beams with parameters tailored for a wide range of applications”
lenses, prisms, mirrors, filters, polarisers, beam expanders, beam splitters, windows and couplers, made from (and coated in) an equally wide range of exotic materials. In this article we provide an
introductory view of the many optical building blocks used in laser systems.
Mirrors Laser mirrors ensure that a beam is directed correctly, featuring tight surface qualities in order to minimise light scatter. They are often used for beam steering or folding, interferometry, and for constructing laser resonators. Laser mirrors are often made from materials such as copper, nickel, borosilicate glass, and fused silica. To increase reflectivity, they’re usually coated with a thin layer of metal such as aluminium, gold, rhodium, or silver. The type of coating depends on the wavelength range of the laser and the desired reflectivity. For example, gold is often used in the near-IR to far-IR range, aluminium is effective in the visible and near-infrared range, and rhodium-coated nickel is favoured for its resistance to thermal and physical damage. However, these coatings
are delicate – they can easily scratch or degrade when exposed to the elements. To prevent this, additional coatings are often applied to laser mirrors. Dielectric coatings, for instance, provide higher reflection than metallic coatings and are optimised for common laser wavelengths, while laser line mirror coatings can help
WWW.LASERSYSTEMSEUROPE.COM | @LASERSYSTEMSMAG EDMUND OPTICS FEATURED PRODUCT
λ/40 Laser Grade Aspheric Lenses – Precision Aspheres for Precision Beams!
Complex cuts and contours have led to the rise of using lasers for cutting. For most metals, the small focus diameters of lasers provide a low distortion, fast cutting tool with small kerf widths. Aspheric lenses enable laser cutting systems to achieve very small and precise beams for precision cutting. Edmund Optics (EO), a leading provider of optical components,
manufactures λ/40 Laser Grade Aspheric Lenses ideal for such applications. These lenses are polished through precision magnetorheological finishing (MRF), providing them with an ultra-smooth, aberration-free aspheric surface and diffraction- limited performance. Their low asphere figure error (0.016 μm RMS) makes them advantageous for demanding laser systems requiring spherical aberration correction and smaller, tighter beams. Edmund Optics has extensive asphere design and
manufacturing experience, making thousands of precision aspheres each month using state-of-the-art production and metrology equipment. Alongside their large inventory of standard lenses and assemblies, Edmund Optics can utilize their engineering expertise to help you with fully customized design efforts for easier integration into laser systems.
More information:
https://www.edmundoptics.eu/f/lambda40-laser-grade- aspheric-lenses/39540/
prevent laser damage and ensure a long lifetime.
Lenses While mirrors direct the collimated light from a laser beam, optical lenses focus it. When multiple lenses are
combined in a beam shaping system, they can be used to form spots, lines, rings and other shapes of varying size. Like those found in a camera, laser lenses can often be adjusted to produce ‘close ups’ or ‘wide angles’ of light for
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