UK Company Advance CO2 Scanner Lens Technology
October 2000
Umicore Laser Optics, based in Hertfordshire in the UK, have been involved in the design and
manufacture of CO2 laser optics and beam-handling solutions since 1982, and are one of the few
manufacturers that dedicate themselves wholly to this segment of laser technology.
One particular area in which they have concentrated, and one that has seen continued growth, is the
development of optics for CO2 laser scanning systems. More specifically they have been involved in the
development and fabrication of Zinc Selenide scanning lenses for use in pre-objective 2-axis galvoscanner systems. These systems are widely used in industry for material marking, scribing, cutting and
processing. Sometimes referred to as F-theta lenses, these are lenses which are designed to produce an
off-axis spot focused over a flat field, at a location proportional to the angle between the input beam and
the optical axis, or the scan angle. In practice, true F-theta characteristics from a single element lens are
impossible to achieve, without sacrificing performance elsewhere.
Umicore Laser Optics first released a range of single element F-theta lenses in 1994. The ASL range was
developed to provide a good compromise between aberrations, field flatness and F-theta characteristics.
This product garnered interest from the scanning systems manufacturers and led Umicore Laser Optics to,
in 1996, begin supplying lenses to a large US based manufacturer of industrial scanning systems for use
in their scanner heads. Since 1996, Umicore Laser Optics have added to their range of scanning lenses
and also developed a number of associated scanner optics such as scanning mirrors. They have also
endeavoured to achieve the highest performance from a single element F-theta lens, culminating in the
release of their TSL range. Available in a range of focal lengths from 75mm to 300mm and 48mm and
75mm diameters, it represents an ideal choice for use in high power CO 2 scanning systems with beam
diameters of up to 15mm.
More recently, Umicore Laser Optics have taken scanning lens technology further with the development of
a two element scanning lens which increases performance, and with much reduced F-theta error. With
one Germanium and one Zinc Selenide element, the lens also offers diffraction-limited performance, which
means that the spot size is limited purely by the characteristics of the laser beam, and not those of the
lens.
Umicore Laser Optics are continuing to evolve scanning lens technology, and have developed additional
scanning products. These include triple element ZnSe lenses, for similarly demanding, but higher power
applications, and for processes such as drilling, telecentric scanning lenses which are able to focus the
laser beam vertically down onto the work piece.
Web: http://laseroptics.umicore.com
Email: laseroptics@umicore.com
Tel: +44 1438 767 500
Fax: +44 1438 767 555
Umicore Laser Optics
Umicore Laser Optics manufactures CO2 laser optics and beam delivery systems for industrial and
scientific applications. Optical components and devices such as lenses, mirrors, windows, beamsplitters,
cavity optics, scanner optics, beam combiners, beam expanders etc. are designed and fabricated inhouse, using the latest ultra-low absorption coatings and highest quality materials from the Umicore group.
Umicore is an application-oriented metals and materials group, aiming to be the benchmark of excellence
in each of its areas of operation. No other materials company has the same breadth to offer. Umicore is a
global force with industrial operations in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa, 11,500 employees and a
turnover of EUR4.7 billion. Umicore Laser Optics is a part of the optics business line of Umicore, a group
of specialist subsidiaries dedicated to serving the thermal imaging and laser optics markets, with state of
the art materials, coatings and components.
Umicore Laser Optics Ltd.
Unit 2, Caxton Place, Caxton Way
Stevenage, Herts. SG1 2UG, UK
Tel: +44 1438 767 500 Fax: +44 1438 767 555
Email: laseroptics@umicore.com
Web: http://laseroptics.umicore.com