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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Don't know which light pipe homogenizing rod will work with your system? Learn about how to choose the correct rod and more information 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.

Many challenges can arise when aligning a laser beam; knowing specific tips and tricks can help simplify the process. Learn more at Edmund Optics.

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.

Anamorphic prism pairs circularize elliptical laser beams, which results in smaller focused spot sizes.

Optical considerations for collimating various types real and ideal point sources. Learn more 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.

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

Power density, energy density, fluence, and irradiance are often incorrectly used in laser optics applications. Learn the correct definitions and usage.

Laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) denotes the maximum laser fluence an optical component can withstand with an acceptable amount of risk.

Edmund Optics' component list and steps provided are used to successfully build an Optical Isolator.

Learn what cylindrical lenses are, how they work, and how they are used in different systems in this guide by Edmund Optics.

Optical coatings are used to influence the transmission, reflection, or polarization properties of an optical component.

Learn more about White Diffusing Glass, which reduces the scattering of light and homogenizes the light source, at Edmund Optics.

Learn about specifications that should be considered when using cylinder lenses, including power axis wedge, plano axis wedge, and axial twist at Edmund Optics.

The length of a laser resonator determines the laser’s resonator modes, or the electric field distributions that cause a standing wave in the cavity.