LASER COMPONENTS’ ultra low-profile retroreflectors

Retroreflectors reflect incoming light parallel to the original beam irrespective of the angle of incidence. This effect is common in cats’ eyes (bicycle reflectors), which, if illuminated, return a bright reflection in the direction of the original light beam.

Retroreflectors are often used in the adjustment of optical systems and the performance of measurement tasks. The ULPR is an ultralight compact hollow retroreflector with a round shape ideal for mounting into bores or standard optical bench holders.  Despite the compact and sleek appearance of the ULPR, it is extremely stable over temperature changes, vibration, and shock conditions. 

ULPRs are available in standard sizes from 0.5” to 5.0” in diameter, with accuracies down to 0.5arcsecond beam deviation and λ/10 reflected wavefront error.  The mirrors can be coated to maximise performance over a spectral range from UV to far IR, and the hollow design eliminates material absorption and chromatic aberration issues associated with prism-style solid retroreflectors.