Edmund Optics^®

The short pulse durations of ultrafast lasers make them interact with optical components differently, impacting the optic’s laser damage threshold.

Master the fundamentals of ultrafast lasers and how to choose optics that can withstand their high powers and short pulse durations.

Laser Optics for 2μm lasers require very specific types of materials such as fused silica and germanium. Learn more at Edmund Optics.

Lasers can be used for a variety of applications. Learn how lasers work, different elements, and the differences between laser types at Edmund Optics.

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are IR lasers that utilize tens or hundreds of quantum wells to decouple the emission wavelength from the bandgap energy.

Advances in laser technology have made it possible to produce pulses ranging from a few femtoseconds to tens of attoseconds. Learn more at Edmund Optics.

The LIDT of continuous wave (CW) lasers is dependent on laser power, beam diameter, and other use parameters.

Compare Coherent Laser specifications with the Edmund Optics selection guide.

Laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) denotes the maximum laser fluence an optical component can withstand with an acceptable amount of risk.

Beam expanders can be used in reverse to decrease a laser beam's diameter, but divergence will be increased.

The diameter of a laser highly affects an optic’s laser induced damage (LIDT) as beam diameter directly impacts the probability of laser damage.

Understanding the most common laser sources, modes of operation, and gain media provides the context for selecting the proper laser for your specific application.

Understanding the polarization of laser light is critical for many applications, as polarization impacts reflectance, focusing the beam, and other key behaviors.

Learn why the bulk laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of glass is significantly different than the LIDT optical components with coatings, such as AR thin films.

There are several metrics used to describe the quality of a laser beam including the M2 factor, the beam parameter product, and power in the bucket

Laser Induced Damage Threshold describes the maximum quantity of laser radiation an optic can take before damaging. Learn more at Edmund Optics.

Laser beam expanders are critical for reducing power density, minimizing beam diameter at a distance, and minimizing focused laser spot size.

Edmund Optics' Polarizer Selection Guide refines your search for a specific type of polarizer.

The short pulse durations of ultrafast lasers lead to broad wavelength bandwidths, making ultrafast systems especially susceptible to dispersion and pulse broadening.

Not all optical components are tested for laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) and testing methods differ, resulting in different types of LIDT specifications.

Power density, energy density, fluence, and irradiance are often incorrectly used in laser optics applications. Learn the correct definitions and usage.

Learn how to navigate the many available options for shaping the irradiance profile and phase of laser beams to maximize your laser system's performance.

Metrology is critical for ensuring that optical components consistently meet their desired specifications, especially in laser applications.

Learn the key parameters that must be considered to ensure you laser application is successful. Common terminology will be established for these parameters.

Many challenges can arise when aligning a laser beam; knowing specific tips and tricks can help simplify the process. Learn more at Edmund Optics.

Multiphoton microscopy is ideal for capturing high-resolution 3D images with reduced photobleaching and phototoxicity compared to confocal microscopy.

Want to learn how to extend a lens beyond its limits in an application? Learn more about spacers, shims, and focal length extenders at Edmund Optics.

UV grade fused silica is ideal for UV and visible applications, but IR grade fused silica has better transmission in the IR due to a lack of OH- impurities.

Converting a Gaussian laser beam profile into a flat top beam profile can have numerous benefits including minimized wasted energy and increased feature accuracy.

Have a question about theoretical foundations? Find out more about the electromagnetic spectrum, interference, reflection, and more at Edmund Optics.