Beam Upcollimators

Fixed-Ratio Upcollimators

U.S. Laser upcollimators (also called beam expanders), are used to alter the beam divergence and diameter of a given laser beam, primarily to achieve smaller focused spot sizes. While the beam diameter expands at the ratio of the upcollimator, the beam divergence is simultaneously reduced by the reciprocal of the ratio. The product of the diameter and divergence (the optical invariant) however, remains constant. Upcollimators are also useful in expanding the diameter of a laser beam to reduce its intensity at an optical surface, thus reducing the possibility of optical damage. The U.S. Laser upcollimator is of the Galilean design, using a negative input element and a positive output element. This design is advantageous for laser use in that the combination of negative and positive elements inherently produces lower optical aberrations, and unlike the Keplerian designs, does not focus the beam internally between the elements. All optics used in the U.S. Laser upcollimators are fabricated from the highest quality laser grade fused silica for maximum damage resistance, and are highly damage resistant anti-reflection coated to minimize Fresnel (surface) losses. Lenses are mounted in a black anodized aluminum barrel, which has adjustment capability to optimize lens spacing. The standard mount is adjustable in three axes, one axis of translation about the beam axis, and two axes of tilt. The upcollimator assembly comes preadjusted, and is provided mounted on a standard U.S. Laser carriage mount. Standard A/R coating is for use at 1064 nm. Input beam diameter 12 mm (max). Output beam diameter 40 mm (max). Consult sales department for coatings at other wavelengths.

Related Products: Beam Delivery Systems

Manual Zoom Upcollimator

A multi-element true zoom upcollimator based on the Galilean design using high damage resistant optical materials and A/R coatings. Ratios are continually adjustable in the range of 2X - 8X. Input beam diameters of up to 4mm can be accommodated at ratios up to 6X, and 3mm for ratios over 6X. The zoom upcollimator comes mounted in a four axis fine adjust gimbal mount, which has both x & y translation, as well as two axes of tilt adjustment. The zoom upcollimator assembly is supplied mounted on a standard U.S. Laser carriage mount. Output beam diameter 31 mm (max).

Upcollimator Lenses

These lenses are direct replacements for the lenses used in Model N1004 upcollimators. Lenses are fabricated from high quality laser grade fused silica, and are A/R coated at 1064 nm. Consult sales department for coatings at other wavelengths.