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

Anti-reflection (AR) coatings are applied to optical components to increase throughput and reduce hazards caused by back-reflections.

Understanding Gaussian beam propagation is critical for understanding laser systems because many lasers are assumed to have Gaussian profiles.

Optical Engineer Andrew Fisher explains how you can see the "invisible" light, or infrared light, from your own TV remote.

Meniscus lenses offer superior performance compared to plano convex lenses in IR applications. Find out the benefits of using a meniscus lens at Edmund Optics.

Using an Infrared Application? Discover the importance of choosing the right material and comparisons of each at Edmund Optics.

Learn more about the advantages of using beam expanders in laser optics applications, with examples on spot size and beam size, at Edmund Optics.

Sliding focusing mechanisms for laser beam expanders cause less beam wander than rotating focusing mechanisms, but they use more complex mechanics and are typically more expensive.

Surprisingly, intentionally clipping a laser beam going through a higher magnification beam expander can be the optimal solution.

The TECHSPEC® Vega™ Laser Line Beam Expanders from Edmund Optics® are divergence adjustable to compensate for input beam divergence.

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.

Have a question about short-wave infrared (SWIR)? Find definitions, application uses, and examples at Edmund Optics.

Are you trying to gauge depth of field in your imaging system? Take a closer look at this article on depth of field calculations at Edmund Optics.

Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging are imaging technologies that capture information from a broader portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Are standard beam expanders not meeting your application requirements? Learn how to design your own beam expander using stock optics at Edmund Optics.

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

Not sure which beam expander will work best in your application? Check out EO's Beam Expander Selection Guide to easily compare each type at Edmund Optics.

Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors are used to test the transmitted wavefront error of laser beam expanders, predicting the real-world performance of the beam expander.

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

Laser beam expanders consist of transmissive configurations, with Galilean or Keplerian designs, and reflective configurations, which use a series of mirrors, similar to microscope designs.

Increasing the diameter of optical components reduces power or energy density in a system, reducing the likelihood of laser-induced damage in high-power...

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy uses a 2D laser sheet to illuminate a thin slice of the sample and excite fluorescence, reducing phototoxicity and damage.

Free-space optical (FSO) communications transmit information wirelessly through the air using lasers with improved bandwidth. Learn more!

Laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) of optics is a statistical value influenced by defect density, the testing method, and fluctuations in the laser.

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

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

Do you need to integrate optical components into a laser system? Make sure you consider laser damage threshold before you do! Find out more at Edmund Optics.

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

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

The Laser Optics Lab video series discusses laser optics concepts including specifications, coating technologies, product types, and more

The Laser Optics Lab video series discusses laser optics concepts including specifications, coating technologies, product types, and more

Back reflections are created when some or part of your beam are reflected back to the source.

Optical coatings are composed of thin-film layers used to enhance transmission or reflection properties within an optical system.

When determining which laser to use for your application, consider the following specifications: wavelength, coherence length, beam divergence, and Rayleigh range.

Join our discussion around laser damage testing in the third episode of our LIGHT TALKS series.

Learn about trends in laser applications including increasing powers and decreasing pulse durations in this conversation with Kasia Sieluzycka and Nick Smith.

From tattoo removal to diagnosing cancer, lasers can transform our lives in countless ways. Join our conversation about laser in skin care and diagnostics.

Learn how to assemble, align, and use a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer completely out of off-the-shelf products from Edmund Optics in this detailed guide.

Edmund Optics® (EO) manufactures millions of precision optical components and subassemblies every year in our 5 global manufacturing facilities.

Learn about the metrology that Edmund Optics® uses to guarantee the quality of all optical components and assemblies.