High stability beam collimators for military optics testing

Reflective beam collimators are mirror assemblies that take divergent or convergent incoming light and produce parallel output. They can be used to replicate a target at infinity without parallax. Consequently, reflective beam collimators are the device of choice for performing Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) measurements over extended wavelength ranges.

Dr Aris Kouris, Sales Director of Optical Surfaces, said: “MTF is a technique, trusted by optical designers, for objectively evaluating the image-forming capability of military optical systems. We were chosen as a partner for this project because of our track record in supplying affordable, high performance beam collimators tailored to enable precise MTF testing of military optical systems.”

He added: “The high stability and performance of our reflective beam collimators is achieved using a zero expansion off-axis parabolic mirror, manufactured to better than lambda/10p-v surface accuracy. The all-reflecting design of our beam collimators is achromatic and with aluminium/magnesium fluoride coatings can operate from the UV to the infrared without adjustment. The optics within each beam collimator are secured using stress-free mounts and come pre-aligned for optimum performance. The off-axis design of our beam collimators produces no central obscuration thereby ensuring highly efficient transmission is obtained.”

Benefiting from a lightweight design and new assembly technique – Optical Surfaces beam collimators combine high stability, high performance, and short delivery time all at a market competitive price.