Variable Zoom Beam Expander

For applications where the exact expansion ratio required is not known, Special Optics offers both manual and motorized zoom beam expanders.  Our proprietary diffraction limited 5-element design, allows for continuous expansion selection from 1X to 4X and from 2X to 8X.  Fused silica lenses are used on the two input groups to allow for high damage thresholds.  Both expansion ration and focus can be controlled independently so that diffraction limited performance can be maintained at any single wavelength from 488-1300 nm.

Special Optics Variable Zoom Beam Expanders are ideal to compensate for varying optical path lengths.  They allow you to match the beam diameter of the laser to the aperture of the optical system.  They 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, our zoom beam expanders tolerate a very high damage threshold.

With Special Optics zoom laser beam expanders, variable magnification levels can easily be set ranging from 2X-8X, 2X-10X, 1X-4X, and 1X-5X.  This variability makes Special Optics Beam Expanders ideal for easier set ups on OEM machines, provides flexibility to equipment and are ideal for general laboratory research. 

Choose from VIS, IR, or UV variable beam expanders.

VIS Variable Beam Expanders

Specifications:			Features
Wavefront Distortion	<0.072 RMS		Diffraction-limited design 5 element design reduces internal focus Continuous zoom and focus adjustments Mechanicals specifically designed to minimize beam wander Reduce machine setup times
Transmission	> 95%
Coating Damage Threshold	100 MW/cm2
Useable Spectral Range	450-1100 nm

Available VIS Variable Beam Expander Lenses

Model	Expansion Range	Max. Input Aperture (mm)	Max. Output Aperture (mm)	O.D. (mm)	Max. length (mm)	Mechanical Drawing
56-30-1-4X-λ	1-4X	10.0	30.0	37.6	180
56-30-2-8X-λ	2-8X	10.0	30.0	37.6	167
56-45-2-8X-λ	2-8X	10.0	45.0	66.7	163

Please replace λ in model number with working wavelength when ordering.

IR Variable Beam Expanders

Model	Expansion Range	Input Aperture (mm)	Output Aperture (mm)	Dimensions O.D. x Length (mm)	Wavelength Range (microns)	Mechanical Drawing
53-26-2-10X-λ	2-10X	10	26.5	48.0 x 180	9.3 or 10.6

Please replace λ in model number with working wavelength when ordering.

UV Variable Beam Expanders

Specifications:			Features
Wavefront Distortion	< 1/4 Wave		Compatible to Standard Computer Controlled Actuators Minimal Internal Focus for High Power Use Large Input and Output Apertures Replaces Several Fixed Wavelength Devices Non-Rotating Lens Elements, Eliminating Beam Wander Fused Silica Lens Elements
Transmission	> 95%
Coating Damage Threshold	100 MW/cm2
Useable Spectral Range	0.248 - 0.355 nm

Available UV Variable Beam Expander Lenses

Model	Expansion Range	Max. Input Aperture (mm)	Max. Output Aperture (mm)	O.D. (mm)	Max. length (mm)	Mechanical Drawing	Availability
61-30-2-8X-λ	2-8X	10.0	30	37.6	167		In Stock for 325nm