laser beam expander
  • Opto Module

Laser Beam Expander | High-Power Industrial Laser Optics

A laser beam expander is an optical device used to increase or decrease the diameter of a laser beam while maintaining collimation. By expanding the beam, the divergence angle is reduced, allowing the laser to maintain a smaller spot size over long distances. Conversely, beam expanders can also be used to match beam size requirements for downstream optics such as F-theta lenses, scanners, or focusing lenses.

Shape Optics provides high-precision laser beam expanders designed for high-power industrial laser systems, offering excellent optical transmission, high laser damage resistance, and stable beam quality.

 

Functions of a Laser Beam Expander

Laser beam expanders are commonly used to:

  • Reduce beam divergence for long-distance propagation
  • Enlarge beam diameter for improved focusing performance
  • Optimize beam quality entering galvo scanners or F-theta lenses
  • Improve spot size uniformity and processing accuracy
  • Protect downstream optics by lowering power density

 

Applications

  • Laser Cutting
  • Laser Welding
  • Laser Marking & Engraving
  • Laser Cleaning & Surface Processing
  • Industrial Laser Systems & Automation

 

Key Benefits

  • High Laser Damage Threshold – suitable for high-power CW and pulsed lasers
  • High Optical Transmission – minimal energy loss
  • Stable Collimated Output – improved beam quality and consistency
  • Multiple Expansion Ratios Available – flexible system integration
  • Material Options for Different Wavelengths

 

Product Options & Specifications

Shape Optics beam expanders are available for CO₂ lasers (10.6 μm), fiber lasers (1064 nm), and green lasers (532 nm), using wavelength-optimized materials.

 

CO₂ Laser Beam Expanders – 10.6 μm

GaAs Material

Expansion Clear Aperture Output Diameter Material
1.5× Φ10 Φ12 GaAs
2.5× Φ10 Φ19 GaAs
3.5× Φ10 Φ22 GaAs
4× Φ10 Φ24 GaAs
5× Φ10 Φ26 GaAs
10× Φ10 Φ38 GaAs

 

ZnSe Material

Expansion Clear Aperture Output Diameter Material
2× Φ10 Φ18 ZnSe
4× Φ10 Φ24 ZnSe
8× Φ10 Φ29 ZnSe

 

Fiber Laser Beam Expanders – 1064 nm

Expansion Clear Aperture Output Diameter Material
2× Φ10 Φ14 Optical Glass
5× Φ10 Φ26 Optical Glass

 

Green Laser Beam Expanders – 532 nm

Expansion Clear Aperture Output Diameter Material
3× Φ10 Φ18 Optical Glass
4× Φ10 Φ22 Optical Glass

 

Customization Capabilities

  • Custom expansion ratios
  • Wavelength-specific AR coatings
  • High-power and short-pulse compatibility
  • Adjustable or fixed beam expander designs
  • Integration with galvo scanners and laser heads