For automated applications, Special Optics developed motorized versions
of our zoom beam expanders. Our Motorized Zoom beam expanders
combine our proprietary 5 lens-element optical designs from our manual
zoom beam expanders, with built-in adjustment motors for controlling
lens groups. With our motorized systems, both expansion ratio
and focus can be controlled independently from a remote location
via controller electronics and software running on the Windows platform
and LabView.
Special Optics Motorized Zoom beam expanders typically employ a
proprietary 5 lens-element design with 3 lens groups to reduce the
internal focus. Also,
we use fused silica lenses on the two input groups. As a result,
high damage thresholds can be achieved.
Beam wander is critical in any zoom lens so we employ a proprietary
“rail” design which allows for minimal beam wander while maintaining
diffraction limited performance over the entire expansion range.
Custom designs have been built which produced wander of less than
0.1 mrad.
With Special
Optics Motorized Zoom beam expanders, variable magnification
levels can automatically be set ranging from 2X-8X, 2X-10X, 1X-4X,
and 1X-5X. This
variability helps to reduce machine set up times and provides flexibility to
equipment for a wide range of jobs. Laser protection class is also maintained
as continuous opening of the machine is no longer required.
These beam expanders are also ideal for general laboratory
research.