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In the world of lasers, enhancing the quality and precision of light is essential for a multitude of applications ranging from metrology to medical procedures. One such vital component used for enhancing the beam quality is the ‘beam expander’.

A beam expander is an optical device that takes a collimated beam of light and expands its diameter (beam divergence) while simultaneously reducing its beam divergence. The versatility of a beam expander lies in its capacity to adjust and control the divergence of lasers, improving its parallelism.

Types of Beam Expanders

There are primarily two types of beam expanders: fixed and adjustable beam expanders.

1、Fixed Beam Expander - As the name suggests, fixed beam expanders maintain a constant beam divergence with fixed spacing between the two lenses inside the expander. This particular type is highly reliable for applications with stable, controlled environments where adjustments are unnecessary or undesired.

2、Adjustable Beam Expander - In adjustable beam expanders, the spacing between the two lenses can be modified, allowing users to fine-tune the beam divergence as needed. This feature offers increased flexibility and adaptability for applications with dynamic requirements.

Material and Wavelength Compatibility

The lens of a beam expander is typically made of ZeSe (Zinc Selenide), an optical material that allows red light to pass through effectively. But its significance is broader than this. Different beam expanders can work at numerous wavelengths, surmounting the limitation of spectral range.

For instance, Carmanhaas offers three types of beam expanders with an impressive range of wavelength compatibility from UV (355nm), green (532nm), near-infrared (1030-1090nm), mid-infrared (9.2-9.7um), to far-infrared (10.6um). What’s more captivating here is that they also offer custom-designed beam expanders for unique wavelengths upon request.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a fixed or adjustable type, beam expanders play a crucial role in shaping and directing laser beams for diverse applications. While fixed beam expanders have their advantages in stable environments, adjustable beam expanders offer the flexibility required in dynamically changing scenarios. Whatever be the context, these devices have secured their position as essential game-changers in laser technology.

With the ever-increasing uses of lasers in different fields, the demand for specialized and customizable beam expanders will surely amplify in the coming years. And to cater to this rising demand, companies like Carmanhaas are always up to the challenge.

For more detailed insights, visit: Carmanhaas Laser Technology.