Ronar-Smith® Beam Expanders

A laser beam expander is an optical device used to increase the diameter of a laser beam. The purpose of a beam expander is to reduce the divergence of the laser beam, which is the tendency of the beam to spread out as it travels. By increasing the diameter of the beam, the beam expander reduces the divergence, allowing the beam to travel further without spreading out too much.

A typical laser beam expander consists of two lenses placed a certain distance apart, with the distance between the lenses being equal to the sum of their focal lengths. The first lens diverges the laser beam to a larger diameter, and the second lens then collimates the enlarged beam to be parallel. The amount of expansion is determined by the ratio of the focal lengths of the two lenses.

Laser beam expanders are commonly used in laser machining, laser cutting, and laser marking applications, where a precise and focused laser beam is required. They can also be used in scientific research, such as in laser spectroscopy or microscopy.

Here are the general steps for using a laser beam expander:

Set up the laser beam expander: Mount the laser beam expander onto a stable platform or optical bench. Make sure the input and output ports are properly aligned and secured.

Connect the laser: Connect the laser source to the input port of the beam expander. Ensure that the laser is properly focused and aligned.

Adjust the beam expander: Depending on the type of beam expander, adjust the optical elements to expand or collimate the laser beam. Some beam expanders have adjustable lenses or mirrors, while others may require the use of fixed optics.

Check the beam profile: Use a beam profiler or other measuring tool to check the spatial profile and divergence of the expanded beam. Adjust the beam expander as necessary to achieve the desired beam quality.

Use the expanded beam: Once the beam expander is properly set up, use the expanded beam for your desired application, such as laser cutting, welding, or marking.

It’s important to note that laser safety should always be a top priority when working with lasers and laser beam expanders. Always wear appropriate protective eyewear and follow all safety guidelines and regulations.

What makes our beam expander products unique is the broad wavelength input that we carry and the customization services that we provide for customers who need specific requirements in their industrial and production line. The parameters that we are able to provide customization include wavelength-specific filtering, anti-reflection coating, magnification factor selection, input/output clear aperture, and maximum beam intensity.