Lubricated adjustable optical wedge beam steerers

Abstract

Lubricated (matched lens) adjustable optical wedges steer laser beams in two dimensions from a single center-of-scan that stays on the original beam axis. These patented refractive beam steerers offer a wide range of apertures, deviations and precision. They do not suffer from the blind spots inherent with conventional Risley Wedge Beam Steerers. Unlike mirrors, they are nearly immune to vibrations and they do not require rerouting or “dog-legging” the beam. We have tested dozens of transparent lubricants and found several that can handle high laser powers. Lubricated adjustable optical wedges may soon replace conventional beam alignment or steering hardware in a variety of applications. This paper will review lubricated adjustable optical wedges and other refractive beam steerers.Lubricated (matched lens) adjustable optical wedges steer laser beams in two dimensions from a single center-of-scan that stays on the original beam axis. These patented refractive beam steerers offer a wide range of apertures, deviations and precision. They do not suffer from the blind spots inherent with conventional Risley Wedge Beam Steerers. Unlike mirrors, they are nearly immune to vibrations and they do not require rerouting or “dog-legging” the beam. We have tested dozens of transparent lubricants and found several that can handle high laser powers. Lubricated adjustable optical wedges may soon replace conventional beam alignment or steering hardware in a variety of applications. This paper will review lubricated adjustable optical wedges and other refractive beam steerers.