Products

Fast Axis Collimator (FAC-Lens)
Large numerical apertures (NA 0.8), diffraction limited collimation 
  • High transmission (transmission >99%), low absorption AR coating
  • Ideal for collimating lights from diode lasers into fibers
  • Substrate materials: UV Fused Silica, or other custom glass materials
  • Available both in standard (Dia 38.1mm, 50.8mm, 790-990nm AR coatings, EFL 300μm/360μm/600μm) or custom versions
  • Great when used in combination with our slow axis collimators Inquire Us  
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    Specifications:

    MaterialsOptical GlassCoating Wavelength Range790-990nm
    CoatingBBAR Coating (790-990nm)Coating Specification

    Ravg<1.0%@790-990nm

    Design Wavelength808nmHeight Tolerance±0.05mm
    Length Tolerance±0.05mmDimensionCustom
    Surface Flatnessλ/4Width Tolerance±0.01mm
    Transmission

    >99%

    Numerical Aperture0.8
    Collimation Power>80% within 1.15xDIV; >85% within 1.30xDIV


    Application Notes: Apart from the 790-990nm AR coating, we can also provide other custom coating options, in addition to attached mounts, and sustaining structures.

     

    Modules or Types:

    North Optics provides the following standard modules of fast-axis collimators. Besides, we also accept custom orders.

    TypeFAC300FAC360FAC600
    Effective focal length EFL (μm)300±70@940nm360±70@940nm600±70@940nm
    Back Focal Length (μm)70±30@940nm70±30@940nm140±30@940nm
    Residential Divergence@X% Power Enclosure±2.50@85%±2.00@85%±1.50@85%
    Numerical Aperture (Design)0.80.80.8
    Wavelength (nm)780-1000/430-470780-1000780-1000
    Broadband AR-Coating Reflection avg. (AOI) [%]Ra <= 0.4 (0°- 35°)Ra <= 0.4 (0°- 35°)Ra <= 0.4 (0°- 35°)
    Coating DurabilityMIL-C-675MIL-C-675MIL-C-675
    Dimensions (Height x Thickness x Length) [mm]0.5(±0.05)x0.43(±0.03)x4.0(±0.05)0.6(±0.05)x0.53(±0.03)x4.0(±0.05)1.0(±0.05)x0.82(±0.03)x4.0(±0.05)
    S1 Clear Aperture (Height x Length) [mm]0.3x3.50.3x3.50.3x3.5
    S1 Surface Imperfections (acc. MIL-PRF-1380B)20-1020-1020-10
    S2 Clear Aperture (Height x Length) [mm]0.4X3.50.5X3.50.9X3.5
    S2 Surface Imperfections (acc. MIL-PRF-1380B)20-1020-1020-10
    Edge Chipping (mm)0.10.10.1

    Fast Axis Collimator (FAC-Lens) is a cylindrical lens containing an aspheric optical front used for collimating spreading light beams from a diode laser along the fast axis direction. A fast axis collimator is the most important component in high-power diode lasers. This is because the divergence angle is wide for lasers emitted from a diode laser along the fast axis direction and the radiation angle forms an elliptical cone shape, to ensure efficient utilization of the light, the output must be collimated. The fast axis collimator (FAC lens) collimates the diverging light from the laser diode into a narrowed beam and circularizes the radiation angle shape. 

    Shanghai Shalom offers Standard and Custom Fast Axis Collimators. Leveraging pinnacle manufacturing and engineering techniques, our fast axis collimators highlight large numerical apertures (typical NA 0.8) to handle the large divergence angle and AR coatings with minimized absorption for high-power applications making it possible to collimate all portions of diode output with excellent beam qualities,  achieving uniform collimation. Optimized beam-shaping effectiveness for diode lasers is assured through high transmission and superior collimation excellence close to the diffraction limits. Our streamlined production line enables us to deliver fast axis collimators at competitive prices, ensuring our customers receive premium products at affordable prices. 

    The Standard Fast Axis collimators are made of UV Fused Silica, the product is compatible with the 6000-30000W continuous laser. Our standard Fast Axis Collimators are available in diameters of 38.1mm and 50.8mm, coating options include 790-990 nm standard AR coatings or custom coatings, and focal length options include 300μm/360μm/600μm effective focal lengths. Within the working wavelength range, our fast axis collimator supports an eminent optical transmission greater than 99%.

    Regarding the custom fast axis collimators, various specifications such as the glass material and the dimensions of the fast axis collimators can all be customized upon your inquiries.

    In addition, our Slow Axis Collimators could be used in combination with the FAC lenses to create custom collimation combinations for laser bars and other applications.


    The major functions of our fast axis collimators include:

    • Beam Shaping: Fast-axis collimators reshape the asymmetric beam emitted by diode lasers along the fast axis, making the beam more symmetric or circular in profile. This aids in achieving a more uniform intensity distribution across the beam.

    • Beam Quality Improvement: By controlling the divergence along the fast axis, fast-axis collimators help enhance the overall beam quality of the laser output. This is vital for applications requiring precise focusing or where beam uniformity is critical, such as in laser scanning or lithographic applications.

    • Beam Collimation: Fast-axis collimators collimate the beam along the fast axis, ensuring that the beam rays are parallel to each other. This is essential for maintaining beam integrity over long distances and achieving sharp focus at the target.

    • Divergence Control: Just like slow-axis collimators control divergence along the slow axis, fast-axis collimators help regulate the divergence along the fast axis. This enables better control over the beam's spread and focusability, leading to improved performance in various applications.


    Quality Assurance in North Optics:

    Shanghai North Optics's commitment to quality is reflected in our inspection process for fast axis collimators. With a dedicated QC team, with a leader who is an expert with over 20 years of experience, and advanced instruments such as Zygo interferometers, we ensure every component is tested with care for precision and performance. This meticulous process ensures that our fast axis collimators adhere to the published specifications, providing you with reliable and high-performance components.