Expanderlinser

Expanderlinser, also known as expander lenses or collimating lenses, are optical components designed to expand a light beam. They are typically used in conjunction with a light source, such as a laser diode, to increase the diameter of the beam. This expansion is achieved through refraction, where the lens alters the path of light rays to diverge them.

The primary function of an expanderlinse is to reduce the intensity of light over a larger area, a process known as collimation. This is crucial in applications where a concentrated beam might be too intense or damaging, or where a wider field of illumination is required. For instance, in laser systems, an expanderlinse can be used to create a larger spot size for projection or to improve the uniformity of illumination.

Expanderlinsen come in various designs, with common types including biconvex lenses and Galilean expanders. The focal length and design of the expanderlinse determine the degree of beam expansion. The magnification factor, which indicates how much the beam diameter is increased, is a key specification for these lenses. They are manufactured from materials like glass or plastic and are often coated to reduce reflections and improve transmission. Their applications span across diverse fields such as optical metrology, laser machining, and illumination systems.