Edmund Optics^®

Laser beam expanders are critical for reducing power density, minimizing beam diameter at a distance, and minimizing focused laser spot size.

Sliding focusing mechanisms for laser beam expanders cause less beam wander than rotating focusing mechanisms, but they use more complex mechanics and are typically more expensive.

Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are used to test the transmitted wavefront error of laser beam expanders, predicting the real-world performance of the beam expander.

Learn more about the advantages of using beam expanders in laser optics applications, with examples on spot size and beam size, at Edmund Optics.

Converting a Gaussian laser beam profile into a flat top beam profile can have numerous benefits including minimized wasted energy and increased feature accuracy.

The diameter of a laser highly affects an optic’s laser induced damage (LIDT) as beam diameter directly impacts the probability of laser damage.

Not sure which beam expander will work best in your application? Check out EO's Beam Expander Selection Guide to easily compare each type at Edmund Optics.

Beam expanders can be used in reverse to decrease a laser beam's diameter, but divergence will be increased.

Surprisingly, intentionally clipping a laser beam going through a higher magnification beam expander can be the optimal solution.

Are standard beam expanders not meeting your application requirements? Learn how to design your own beam expander using stock optics at Edmund Optics.

Learn the basics of telescope theory and how to construct different types of telescopes.

An understanding of refraction and basic ray optics is a critical foundation for understanding more complicated optical concepts and technologies.

Many lasers are assumed to have a Gaussian profile, and understanding Gaussian beam propagation is crucial for predicting real-world performance of lasers.

Overspecifying optical losses in laser systems will not further improve your performance or reliability, but it could cost you additional money and/or time.

Understanding the most commonly used laser optics materials will allow for easy navigation of EO’s wide selection of laser optics components.

There are several metrics used to describe the quality of a laser beam including the M2 factor, the beam parameter product, and power in the bucket

Learn how to navigate the many available options for shaping the irradiance profile and phase of laser beams to maximize your laser system's performance.

UV Lenses require extremely tight tolerances and novel materials such as sapphire. Learn more at Edmund Optics.

Understanding the polarization of laser light is critical for many applications, as polarization impacts reflectance, focusing the beam, and other key behaviors.

Superpolished optics with ultra-low surface roughness minimize scatter in optical systems, which is critical in sensitive laser applications.

Have a question about adaptive optics or deformable mirrors? Learn more on understanding wavefronts, adaptive optics theory, and more at Edmund Optics.

Do you have a question about spatial filters? Learn more about how spatial filters are used with lasers and improve a beam at Edmund Optics.

Learn the key parameters that must be considered to ensure you laser application is successful. Common terminology will be established for these parameters.

Metrology is critical for ensuring that optical components consistently meet their desired specifications, especially in laser applications.

Axicons can be used in a variety of different fields. Find out more about axicons and how to use them in applications at Edmund Optics.

Lasers can be used for a variety of applications. Learn how lasers work, different elements, and the differences between laser types at Edmund Optics.

Looking for the best way to clean optics? Learn more about the different cleaning products and methods, along with tips to handle optics at Edmund Optics.

Optical lenses require very precise tolerances. Learn more about tolerances for spherical lenses at Edmund Optics.

Want an inside look at Aspherized Achromatic Lenses? Learn about the advantages, composition, and aspherized process at Edmund Optics.

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy uses a 2D laser sheet to illuminate a thin slice of the sample and excite fluorescence, reducing phototoxicity and damage.