The recommended cleaning methods are dependent on the type of optic and its coatings.

You can download the recommended CVI Laser Optics and Melles Griot cleaning procedures document Cleaning Methods (PDF).
The first part of the document describes five separate cleaning procedures with step-by-step instructions. The second part of the document lists which procedures should be used for which component.

You can also download this article Cleaning Optics (PDF) which explains the importance of the cleaning process to improve both the lifetime and performance of optics. Proper materials, techniques and handling procedures should be used to minimize the risk of damage.

Typical index and transmission values for our optical materials can be found in our catalog.

This link will open the appropriate section Material Properties (PDF).

CVI Laser Optics and Melles Griot has tested the majority of our coatings for their damage threshold specifications. We understand that it is important to our customers to know what this limit is in order to preserve the integrity of their optical systems.

This link will open the appropriate Coatings (PDF) section of our catalog. Below each coating, there is a typical damage threshold listed. When coatings are very similar in composition, there may be a reference to another coating for its damage threshold. Please note that all the values given are for reference only and do not imply a guarantee.

There are many different applications for the coatings, so we tried to test them with a common laser for the specified range of the coating. They were typically tested using a pulsed 1064 nm laser and its harmonics. Unfortunately, we could not possibly test them for all different configurations, including continuous (CW) lasers. There are simply too many parameters that affect the damage threshold of a coating. Therefore, we do not have any other data than what is specified in the catalog and there is not a simple formula to determine how a different wavelength might respond.

Yes, we can! Our ability to modify includes edging diameters down and cutting to square or rectangular shapes. This includes lenses (both spherical and cylindrical), mirrors, and filters (excluding the interference filters).

There are a few rules of thumb to follow when modifying standard pieces:

The standard tolerance for modifications is ±0.25 mm (±0.01"). If a customer needs a tighter tolerance, it must be specified.

A standard lens can be edged down to a diameter that is no less than twice the center thickness of the lens. For example, we smallest we could edge a beginning diameter of 30 mm and center thickness 8.4 mm is down to 17 mm.

A mirror can be modified, but the flatness cannot be maintained to the original specification because stress is induced when a piece is modified. We can also use CNC processing to create 1-off pieces in a myriad of size and radii options. And, finally, we make custom lenses in larger batches for many customers and applications.

The GLC Collimating and Focusing Lenses and the GPA Standard Mounted Anamorphic Prisms are compatible with each other. The 830, 405 and 375 nm GLC parts (except for GLC-50.0-20.0-830) indeed have the same 8.0-mm clear aperture for interchangeable use.

The links below are for the two items discussed above:

GLC Collimating and Focusing Lenses

GPA Standard Mounted Anamorphic Prisms

The collimator lens can be inserted into the input side of the Mounted Anamorphic Prism housing. It is held in place with a set screw.

N-BK7 glass is one of the most common and widely used borosilicate crown glasses available. It performs well against most chemical tests, it is relatively hard, and does not scratch easily. N-BK7 glass can be handled without the need for special precautions. The bubble and inclusion content is also very low. N-BK7 has excellent transmission from 350nm to 1.5 µm. It can be a low-cost alternative to fused silica.

Fused silica is another common material used for optics. It has greater transmission than N-BK7 in the UV and IR spectrum. Transmission ranges from 180nm to 2 µm. Fused silica has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, providing stability and resistance to thermal shock over large temperature deviations. Fused silica has increased hardness and resistance to scratching. It can be an excellent alternative to N-BK7 glass, depending on the application.

CVI Laser Optics and Melles Griot offers collimating and focusing lenses designed specifically for diode laser wavelengths. The GLC series lenses are designed and optimized for 375 nm, 405 nm, 780 nm, and 830 nm. They can also be used at other diode laser wavelengths and still provide excellent performance. Many of these lenses are diffraction limited: spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, and sphero-chromatism have been corrected by the design. These lenses are antireflection coated to provide increased performance.
GLC - Collimating and Focusing Lenses for Diode Lasers