Z-Link Laser Attenuator
Z-Link Laser Attenuator
This is a device to protect people working in high-energy laser labs, by varying the angle of incidence of the polarized laser beam on a non-metallic material. The four joints in the “Z” pattern mechanism keep the output beam in line with the input beam.
The device makes use of the variable reflectivity of a dielectric material (glass, fused silica, etc.) at different angles. At Brewster’s angle (≈56° from normal (perpendicular), for glass) the reflectivity of polarized light is zero. As that angle increases, the reflectivity increases to 100% at grazing incidence.
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| In order to compensate for the 2X-speed effect of a mirror, half-speed, ball-bearing assemblies are used at each joint (similar to a Lazy-Susan). The slowly rotating mirror causes reflected light to follow the arm that is rotating twice as fast as the mirror. |
Hines’ lab notebook #1 entry:
p. 037
This is not a product being offered for sale to end users. To discuss licensing, please contact Steve Hines at:
USA
email: [email protected]
ph. 818-507-5812