Laser processing

Large scan field
Large z-range
Compact form factor

Precise and fast z-axis control for a large scan volume

Optotune’s focus tunable lens with optical feedback is the ideal choice for fast z-axis spot control in laser processing systems, allowing 2.5D and 3D laser processing. The EL-10-42-OF is suitable for the use with ns- or ps-pulsed lasers at 532 and 1064 nm wavelength and power levels of up to 2.6 J/cm2.

2.5D laser processing

With its compact form factor, the EL-10-42-OF provides a large z-range in combination with standard f-theta lenses for flexible adjustment of the working distance. For example with an f=160 mm f-theta lens, a z-range of 100 mm is reached as illustrated below. As the field flattening is realized with the f-theta lens, an integration of the EL-10-42-OF is a fast, simple process. With an analog signal from the controller card, the EL-E-OF-A drive electronics board controls the EL-10-42-OF precisely along the z-axis, allowing to jump between large z-axis variations at high speed.

3D laser processing

When integrating the EL-10-42-OF without f-theta lens, additional fixed optics are used in combination with the tunable lens to focus the laser beam onto the processing surface. Then, the EL-10-42-OF controls the z-axis for field flattening as well as for the z-axis, providing true 3D processing. Benefits of this configuration are a larger scan field and typically better optical quality (smaller spot size) than a comparable 2D system. The comparison of two reference designs with similar maximum working distance below shows the larger scan volume without f-theta lens.