Fast-axis Collimator (FAC): One Lens for Many Applications


Take two: New product lines with additional standard coatings



Wavelength range increased to five times its original size



This is a special kind of success story. Nearly two years ago, LIMO introduced its new FAC300 collimator which concentrates the fast axis of high-power laser diodes. With a focal length of 300 µm and an NA (numerical aperture: measure of the ability to concentrate a ray of light) of 0.7 for the aperture angle of its lens, the new product was well suited for use with single emitter diodes and diode laser bars that operate in the "NIR" wavelength range (near infrared range: 790 to 990 nm).



Of course, the skepticism shown for this new lens from Dortmund by many potential users at the time was not only due to the broad field of application it covered. The affordable price offered by the Dortmund-based LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbH for its new product also left people astounded. The reason for the amazing price was the special design (half the height at 0.5 mm) which provides a significant increase in productivity (more lenses per wafer). Dr. Oliver Homburg, Director for Advanced Optical Solutions, challenged skeptical would-be users in February of 2012, saying: "Order the free test units and determine the quality of the FAC300 lenses for yourself." Twenty months later, Dr. Homburg was happy to report: "A great deal of users were pleased with the product. As with our previous FAC units, this lens was also very well received by the market."



The success inspired the experts in Dortmund to pursue a significant expansion of the field of application: The FAC300 microlens, which was launched in 2012, is part of a standard FAC portfolio that previously included more than five FAC products featuring focal lengths between 0.29 and 1.5 mm and a standard coating of 790 to 990 nm. This lineup has now been joined by two new product lines for the red (600 to 700 nm) and infrared (1000 to 1600 nm) wavelength ranges. This means that, from now on, LIMO will offer customers the ability to order FAC lenses with standard coatings for a wide wavelength range of 600 to 1600 nm.



The expansion of the wavelength range to approx. five times its original size enables the cost-effective series production of coated lenses for any type of laser application. That spectrum now ranges from the use of lasers in materials processing, medical engineering and pump applications to laser TVs and laser projectors. Dr. Homburg notes: "Users no longer face the otherwise typical extra costs for the coating. We're also able to offer extremely quick delivery of the lenses as a standard product."



About LIMO:

Since its foundation in 1992 LIMO Lissotschenko Mikrooptik GmbH has been known as one of the leading companies in laser beam shaping. At LIMO’s headquarter in Dortmund an international team of more than 240 specialists develops, manufactures and sells innovative micro-optics and laser systems. We are the only company worldwide whose core competence uniquely combines optics design with laser systems and materials processing know-how. This makes LIMO an important and reliable partner for customers in various industries, e.g. in semiconductor manufacturing, flat panel display production, medical equipment manufacturing or in the automotive industry, who are looking for unique customer-specific solutions.



Additional product information: 

Dr. Oliver Homburg     

Director Advanced Optical Solutions

Phone: +49 - 231- 22 24 1 - 203

Fax: +49 - 231- 22 24 1 - 140

o.homburg@limo.de      



Press and media contact:

Maria Singermann

PR & Marketing

Phone: +49 - 231- 22 24 1 - 317

Fax: +49 - 231- 22 24 1 - 140

m.singermann@limo.de

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