Fiber Coupled Lasers ................................. 263
Life Science Lasers .............................. 264-266
Gas Lasers .......................................... 266-268
Machine Vision Lasers ................ 269-270, 274
Laser Diode Modules .......................... 269-274
Laser Mechanics.................................. 276-277
Laser Safety ........................................ 278-279
Laser Measurement & Detection ........ 280-286
Laser Accessories ...................................... 287
Line Generators:
Calculating Line Length
θ
262 +44 (0) 1904 788600 | Edmund Optics® N NEW PRODUCT NEW LOW PRICE
testing & detection targets illumination cameras imaging lenses microscopy lasers optomechanics optics
TECHNICAL NOTE
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Beam Size: Refers to the diameter (typically
at the 1/e² width) of the laser beam measured
at the exit face of the laser housing.
Beam Divergence: Specifi es the degree
the beam spreads out over distance, and is
defi ned by the full angle. In diodes, beam divergence
is specifi ed with two values because
the presence of astigmatism creates an elliptical
beam.
Fan Angle: Angle produced by accessory
line or pattern generators.
Output Power: Maximum power value at the
face of the laser housing.
Class: Corresponds to the maximum amount
of laser radiation emitted from the laser at a
specifi c wavelength. Classifi cation systems
used are the Center for Devices and Radiological
Health (CDRH – II, IIIa, IIIb) and
International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC – 2, 3R, 3B).
Continuous Wave (CW) Operation: Lasers
with CW operation emit a continuous beam
with only minor fl uctuations in output power.
Modulated Operation: Lasers with modulated
operation have output power that fl uctuates
through a complete cycle at a defi ned
frequency.
LASER TYPES
Although all lasers produce a highly coherent,
monochromatic, and directional beam of
light, a wide range of laser types exist. Each
laser has unique beam properties, including
beam quality, power, and wavelength, that are
best suited for specifi c applications. Edmund
Optics off ers a vast selection of semiconductor
lasers, laser systems, and gas lasers to best
fi t your application’s needs.
Semiconductor Lasers
pages 263-265, 269-275
Ideal for applications requiring a laser with a
small size, low power consumption, and long
operating lifetime, semiconductor lasers provide
a high effi ciency output at a low cost. Laser
diode module semiconductor lasers are off ered
in a wide range of wavelengths from 375nm to
1550nm and output powers from 1mW to 5W.
Solid State Lasers pages 264-265
Solid state laser systems are noted for their
high beam quality, effi ciency, and long operating
lifetimes. Edmund Optics off ers both
diode pumped solid state laser systems and
laser diode systems in an extensive range of
wavelengths and output powers starting at
1mW.
Gas Lasers pages 266-268
Gas lasers are ideal for applications requiring
superior beam quality, long coherence
lengths, and single mode operation. Edmund
Optics off ers HeNe and Argon Ion gas lasers
in wavelengths ranging from 457nm to 633nm
and output powers of 0.5mW to 150mW, as
well as CO2 (10,600nm) lasers with up to 40W
of output power.
Fiber Lasers website only
Fiber lasers utilize rare earth element dopants
in glass fi bers, allowing these specialized
fi bers to be used as laser gain media. Fiber
lasers should not be confused with fi bercoupled
lasers which feature a fi ber solely for
beam delivery. Fiber lasers feature high electrical
effi ciencies, high output power levels,
and low long term cost of ownership.
Inside Lasers
Laser Diode Module
Line Generator
x = 2y tan (θ/2)
θ = 2 tan -1
(x/2y)
where, θ = Fan Angle
x = Line Length
y = Working Distance
θ/2
x
y
Coherent® Diamond C-Series CO2 Lasers
www.edmundoptics.co.uk/3834
/3834