Laser Optics

Laser Optics are used in a wide range of laser instrumentation or laser applications, including beam steering or material processing. Laser Optics use specific substrates, coatings, or a combination of the two to provide superior performance at specific laser wavelengths or over a range of wavelengths. Many Laser Optics feature laser damage thresholds designed for pulsed or CW lasers. Using a Laser Optic that has a lower laser damage threshold than what the laser requires can lead to damaging the Optical Component.

Edmund Optics offers a wide variety of Laser Optics, including Laser Lenses, Laser Mirrors, Laser Filters, along with a variety of other components designed for laser use. Laser Lenses are designed to focus, homogenize, or shape laser beams. Laser Mirrors are ideal for beam steering applications. Laser Filters transmit or reflect a portion of the laser light. Laser Windows are used to transmit designated wavelengths or protect sensitive components or work areas from stray light.

Laser optics are a group of optics that have been designed and manufactured for use in laser applications. Optical components used for more general purposes may be manufactured from more common glass types and may have broadband coatings or be uncoated to be compatible with many different wavelengths. Conversely, because lasers typically have very narrow wavelength ranges or wavebands (ignoring harmonics), laser optics materials and coatings usually contain more exotic materials which are used to optimize the component for the specific design wavelengths of the application. Moreover, there are a number of highly specialized applications which involve high-power or ultrafast lasers. These applications require laser optics components with extremely low tolerances for characteristics including absorption, dispersion, thermal conductivity, laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDT), surface quality, coating properties, and much more.