Cooler-running CO2 laser lenses

Laser Research Optics, Providence, RI, has unveiled a new line of low-absorption laser CO₂ lenses that it says run cooler than standard lenses, to protect against thermal damage, provide focal length stability, and assure consistent cut quality.

The Cool-Cut CO₂ laser lenses, a direct replacement for most standard OEM laser lenses, feature a proprietary coating that absorbs <0.15% of laser energy. They have a 40-20 scratch-dig surface quality, with >99.0% transmission at 10.6 μm. They are available in 1-in. and 2-in. diameter sizes, from 0.236-0.380 thick, with focal lengths from 1-25 in. in 0-.5-in increments.

The new Cool-Cut lenses are the company's latest unveiling of CO₂ laser optics over the past few months, following new CO₂ laser optics for cutting plastics and for laser engraving/marking, and direct field replacement CO₂ laser optics for specialty gaskets and for cutting synthetics