1μm : Thermal Lensing Compensation(TLC) Optics

The TLC (Thermal Lensing Compensation) patent US 8,274,743 B2 optic design passively compensates thermal lensing for high power collimators and focusing lenses. Through the use of special optical materials and optic design, thermal lensing for lasers with powers in excess of 1KW is reduced to less than the Rayleigh range of the lens design. Figure 1 TLC Optics™ uses focusing objectives.

Haas Laser Technologies TLC Optics™ incorporates a balancing of the dn/dT between two high power laser optical materials, the thicknesses, air spacing and curvatures to minimize the thermal lensing between 20°C and 250°C using a proprietary optical design merit function. This means your application will be in focus from the moment the laser is first turned on to when it is turned off.

• For use up to 20KW.
• Available in 15mm, 30mm and 50mm diameter optic sets.
• No thermal stabilization time needed.
• Custom configurations available.

Thermal management of the lens mechanics is about the only means to mitigate thermal lensing but as optical glass, in general, is not a great thermal conductor there can be large temperature gradients across the lens that impacts its performance that even thermal management cannot handle. This means that most high power fiber laser applications require several minutes for the optical system to thermally stabilize before the shift in focus stays within the lasers focusing lens Rayleigh range(depth of focus).

Figure 2a & 2b shows a simple fused silica best form singlet with an overlay of the same lens that has a 230°C temperature gradient applied. The blue rays are light focused at ambient temperature and the green rays represent the focus at the elevated temperature.

Figure 3 shows the close up the Haas TLC Optics™ in figure 1 with the same focal length and temperature gradient.

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Below is a list of TLC Optics.

Please call (973) 598-1150 for pricing and availability.

Additional options available upon request

We would be happy to discuss a custom designed solution that's right for any project, large or small. For additional information, contact a Haas Laser Technology sales representative today. (973) 598-1150