Laser optics and beam shaping

Reflective focusing and beam-steering elements: off-axis parabolic, cylindrical or toroidal mirrors. Mounting, optical-axis orientation and mechanical datums matter alongside surface form.

Axicons and conical surfaces: geometries to investigate for ring-shaped or Bessel-like beams. Tip condition and transition regions deserve particular attention; the usable range depends on the optical arrangement.

Freeform beam shapers or replication masters: surfaces developed for a target intensity distribution. A top-hat profile is not a property of the machined component alone: it must be evaluated with the input beam and complete system.

Diamond turning can address rotationally symmetric profiles, while five-axis and Overdrive-assisted machining can address direction-dependent and freeform surfaces. Local features and datums may require milling or additional operations. We select the process for the specific material grade and geometry.

NanoGrip workholding and integrated contact or non-contact feedback support a connected setup and correction process. Alongside geometric inspection on the machine, a separate functional test verifies the actual laser-beam distribution.

Innolite IL600 · manufacturer technology background · Our technology in detail

For a metal mirror, the substrate, optical layer and required coating are separate decisions. For a transmissive element, wavelength range, material transmission, brittle-material processing and possible subsurface damage require consideration. A representative machining trial addresses a new material grade.

Average power, pulse energy, repetition rate and beam size can create different operating loads. Thermal behaviour, coating and any laser-damage testing are agreed with the system developer; they cannot be inferred from surface roughness alone.

At component level, we define the active aperture, departure from nominal form, surface topography and mechanical datums. An axicon may need separate evaluation of cone angle, the tip region and edge condition; a freeform may require assessment of steep and transition regions.

At system level, define the target beam profile, evaluation plane, meaning of uniformity and alignment state. Wavefront or power testing is included when required by the functional objective. The proposal identifies in-house and collaborative tests and responsibility for each.

Our measurement and validation approach

Before manufacturing the full element, we can select a test surface, critical tip feature or limited-aperture trial component. The trial may examine local form, edge condition, workholding or measurability. We define the evidence needed for the next step in advance.

Comparison of a corrected component requires consistent datums and evaluation conditions. Following geometric correction, beam-shaping performance is checked in the optical arrangement defined for the task.

The agreed work package may deliver a feasibility review, trial component or build-to-print part. Documentation connects component identification, datums, evaluation area and agreed inspection results. Optical coating and functional system testing can be included as separately defined tasks.

Off-axis parabolic mirror · development concept

Cylindrical and toroidal mirror · development concept

Microlens-array master · development concept

Laser wavelength and operating mode; input beam size and known profile; target distribution and evaluation plane; aperture, material and mechanical interfaces; tolerances, testing needs and quantity. Without a model, a functional description can still define a useful first step.

Discuss a laser-optics task

Explore surface geometries in the 3D Surface Lab · The lab illustrates geometry; it is not a laser-optics simulation.

Reflective beam shaper for a laser-manufacturing trial