Slow Axis Collimators

Slow Axis Collimators (SAC-Lenses) axis collimators are optical components used in lasers, often in diode lasers, to shape and control the output beam. Diode lasers emit light in an asymmetric beam profile, with one axis (the "fast axis") having a narrow divergence angle while the other axis (the "slow axis") has a much wider divergence angle. Slow-axis collimators are designed to reduce the divergence angle along the slow axis, resulting in a more symmetrical output beam profile. The slow-axis collimators could either consist of a monolithic array of rod-shaped micro-lenses or a single lens when collimating a single emitter. The aspheric design of the SAC lenses results in low spherical aberrations and therefore efficient collimation of the slow-axis dimensions. 

Hangzhou Shalom EO offers Custom Slow Axis Collimators (SAC-lenses) with high-precision fabrication which contributes to low scattering and crosstalk and AR coatings. We implement a strict inspection procedure in our clean house, where we strive to minimize the deviation between the published standards and the actual qualities. Our slow-axis collimators are optimized for the collimation of the individual emitters of a laser bar. The products are compatible with various laser bars and laser stacks and capable of handling high power densities. Flexible custom designs could be tailored upon request. Combined usage with our Fast-Axis-Collimators is recommendable.

• Beam Shaping: Our slow-axis collimators are designed to reshape the elliptical beam generated from diode lasers into a more circular or symmetric beam profile. This makes the laser beam easier to focus or collimate further downstream in an optical instrument.
• Improving Beam Quality: By reducing the divergence angle along the slow axis, slow-axis collimators improve the overall beam quality of the laser output. This is important for applications where a high-quality, symmetric beam profile is required, such as in laser materials processing or medical applications.
• Beam Collimation: In addition to shaping the beam profile, slow axis collimators also collimate the beam along the slow axis. This means that the beams are made parallel to each other, which helps in maintaining beam integrity over long distances.
• Divergence Control: By reducing the divergence along the slow axis, slow axis collimators can also control the overall divergence of the laser beam, leading to better focusing and longer range for applications like laser cutting or laser engraving.