5/27/03

New High Post-Coating Flatness Optics for Nd:YAG Lasers

A new series of high flatness optics from Alpine Research Optics (ARO, Boulder, CO) are intended for Nd:YAG, Nd:YVO4 (1.064 µm) and Nd:YLF (1.053 µm) laser systems where extremely low wavefront distortion is required. Specifically, these components are all specified to deliver l/20 (at 632.8 nm) surface flatness after coating. In contrast, most manufacturers only specify substrate flatness prior to coating, and mechanical stress in a thin film can warp a component substantially out of shape. This exceptional performance is achieved through the use of ARO's proprietary Dynamic Control Coating (DCC) process.

This new high post-coating flatness product line includes mirrors with >99.8% reflectivity, windows with >99.5% transmission, partial reflectors at 25%, 50%, 75% or 90% nominal reflectivity, and polarizers offering an extinction ratio of >100:1. Each of these optics are produced on 1 and 2 inch diameter fused silica substrates, and are available for either 0° or 45° angle of incidence operation. Because ambient temperature and humidity can significantly affect component flatness, the customer must specify the exact parameters of their use environment prior to ordering.