Standardization of characteristics of optical components and laser beams

Abstract

It is the declared goal of the EUREKA project CHOCLAB (characterization of optical components and laser beams) to support standardization efforts in the area of laser beam radiation and laser optics as well as to contribute to the implementation of those standards in industry. The interaction and the benefits of development-related standardization and the pre-normative research accomplished in CHOCLAB are explained, particularly focusing on standardization efforts for test methods for beam widths, divergence angle and beam propagation. The standards system for test methods for laser beam parameters and laser optical components is described in order to provide information on ongoing activities as well as on already published standards and in order to encourage people to make use of these standards.