Diffraction-limited aspheric lenses up to 600mm

13 Jun 2011

Optical Surfaces Ltd. has delivered an extremely high quality F0.8 on-axis parabola of 175mm diameter to the Central Laser Facility at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

The Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) is one of the world's leading laser facilities providing scientists from the UK and Europe with an unparalleled range of state-of-the-art laser technology. The CLF's wide ranging applications include experiments in physics, chemistry and biology, accelerating subatomic particles to high energies, probing chemical reactions on the shortest timescales and studying biochemical and biophysical process critical to life itself.

Due to be installed on the Astra Gemini laser beam line the diffraction limited on-axis mirror will be used to focus the beam line energy to produce a maximum focused intensity of c. 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 Wcm-2 enabling researchers to explore new areas of physics.

Using proprietary production techniques - Optical Surfaces highly experienced and skilled production team produced the fast focusing on-axis parabolic mirror with a surface accuracy of better than lambda/10 P-V and smoothness of 20/10 scratch/dig. The excellent surface quality achieved during manufacturing together with the exceptional high reflectivity coatings will enable RAL researchers to achieve the high optical performance and efficiency required by their ground breaking experiments. The optics were manufactured in Zerodur and coated using a special type high performance UV-Silver coating suitable for high reflectivity (R>98%) throughout the wavelength range between 350-800nm.

Optical Surfaces Ltd (www.optisurf.com) has been producing optical components and systems for more than 45 years and is now accepted as one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-precision optics for high power laser research facilities. The company's ISO 9001-2000 approved manufacturing workshops and test facilities are deep underground in a series of tunnels excavated in solid chalk where temperature remains constant and vibration is practically non-existent. With such stable conditions testing, particularly with long path lengths, becomes quantifiable and reliable. Working with these natural advantages is a highly skilled team of craftsmen with a commitment to excellence in both product quality and customer service.

For further information relating to diffraction limted parabolic mirrors please contact Optical Surfaces Ltd by telephone on +44-208-668-6126 or email sales@optisurf.com