Laser Ceramics
Accuratus
has been supplying ceramics to the laser industry since it’s founding in 1977.
Accuratus personnel helped develop ceramic solutions for some of the earliest
laser devices. Accuratus continues to provide unique, cost effective solutions
for the challenges faced by laser and optical system designers.
Ceramics for Solid State Lasers
Accuratus has a unique highly diffuse reflectance material called ACCUFLECT®
developed specifically for high energy flashlamp pumped laser cavities. It’s
Lambertian behavior makes it ideal for close coupled cavity designs where a high
energyoutput beam profile is critical. High reflectance assures you of
maximum wall plug efficiency from your laser system. Visit our
standard products page and case studies page for
details on ACCUFLECT®.
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Two types of Accuflect® are available: |
| B6 |
G6 |
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Porous, unglazed |
Glazed |
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Designed for use in dry cavities and areas where there is no contamination. |
Developed for use in liquid cooled cavities and applications where contamination
is likely. |
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Sizes up to 76 mm (3") diameter and 450 mm (18") long can be produced.
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Ceramics for Excimer Lasers
Accuratus helped design and build the first generation ceramic insulators used
in excimer cavities. Forward thinking designers consulted with Accuratus
personnel to develop a manufacturable and cost effective component. Proper
selection of material type eliminated the contamination and arcing problems
inherent with the polymeric designs then in use. The use of aluminum oxide
ceramics virtually eliminated contamination of the laser gas greatly extending
gas lifetimes. Using ceramic also cured the high voltage breakdown that was
causing significant down time in early generation excimers. Derivatives of this
early design continue in use today.
Ceramics for CO2
Lasers
Accuratus has a long history supplying ceramic to the carbon dioxide and similar
gas lasers. Free space and waveguide designs are routinely produced.
Cylindrical, flat plate, straight and folded designs are typical. Components
used in flowing gas and sealed off systems are supplied. Discriminating
manufacturers relying on us for high quality beam profiles have used our
services for years. Aluminum oxide and beryllium oxide are supplied depending
upon output wavelength and heat dissipation requirements. Cylindrical designs up
to 600 mm (24") length in single piece can be produced. Slab designs up to 600
mm (24") long and 255 mm (10") wide can be produced. Folded designs with up to
50 folds have been produced although typically less than 6 folds are used.
Ceramics for Ion Lasers
Accuratus personnel designed and produced the early generation beryllium oxide
based ion laser plasma tubes. To this day, Accuratus maintains an important
presence in the ion laser market supplying superior quality tubes for both high
power and capillary bore ion tubes. Single piece tubes can be produced up to 255
mm (10") long. Bore diameters range from 0.75 mm (.03") to 2.5 mm (.100").
Glasses for HeNe Lasers
Accuratus manufactures pyrex tubes used for high-end distance measurement
lasers. Extremely precise and repeatable bore straightness, and end face
perpendicularity and parallelism are critical to the measuring system. Accuratus
quickly developed a set of cost effective fabrication and inspection techniques
to allow the customer to bring a new, enhanced product to the marketplace.
Ceramics for Semiconductor Lasers
Accuratus supplies mounts and submounts in high thermal conductivity ceramics
for the high powered diode laser market. Materials of construction include
beryllium oxide and aluminum nitride. Metallized surfaces can be supplied with
thick film deposited conductors or thin film conductors. Additionally, small
metallized submounts in aluminum oxide are produced to support the
photodetectors used for feedback control in packaged laser systems. Typical
sizes range from 0.25 mm (.01") square to 19 mm (.75") square with thicknesses
from 0.127 mm (.005") to 1.5 mm (.06"). Other sizes and geometries are
available.
Ceramics and Glasses for Laser System Components
Ceramics are supplied for applications other than the laser in many systems. The
unique properties offered by ceramics are often taken advantage of by system
designers. Some ceramic applications include high stability interferometer
supports, thermally conductive lens mounts, low mass/high stiffness mirror
substrates, apertures, high voltage electrical insulators for pockels cells and
transparent crystal mounts for doublers and triplers.
See also:
Materials > Accuflect®
See also:
Materials > Aluminum Oxide
See also:
Materials > Aluminum Nitride
See also: Materials > Boron Nitride
See also: Materials > Fused Silica
See also: Materials > Macor
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