Reynard Corporation (San Clemente, CA), a global supplier of optical components and thin-film coatings, has announced the development of high-precision coatings to improve the performance of galvanometer mirrors in demanding commercial and military applications.
Galvo mirrors are used in various laser system applications such as scanners, bar-code readers, sweeping remote sensors, marking systems, and laser light shows. A mirror is modulated on it centered axis, causing a static laser beam to scan in a one-dimensional orientation. Adding a second galvo mirror allows for scanning in two dimensions. For example, the first scans in an X-orientation across a single line, while the second mirror allows for Y-orientation movement. With a synchronized X-Y controller, any continuous geometric shape can be realized.
Mirrors are manufactured using most any substrate, but are most commonly made from BK-7, fused silica or silicon. With CNC machining capabilities, Reynard shapes these galvanometer mirror substrates to suit any application. The substrates are then coated with a highly reflective protected metal or multi-layer dielectric tuned for the required wavelength band and application. The galvo mirror coatings can achieve reflectivity of greater than 99.9% and are able to withstand rigid durability requirements, including military specifications for temperature, humidity, salt, and fog requirements per Mil-C-48497A.
"Galvo mirrors are a perfect fit for our highly-durable reflective coating designs. Since application environments can range from ambient and controlled to harsh military conditions, one can be assured that our coatings will function as designed" says Forrest Reynard, president of Reynard Corporation.
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