SCHOTT, the international technology group, presented its newest, tougher laser glass formulation, LG-960, at SPIE Optics + Photonics show, held in San Diego, from 30 August to 1 September.
The company’s latest eye-safe laser glass, LG-960, is a higher performance glass for 1.5 µm laser systems used for range finding, driverless cars, tattoo removal, and surgical laser scalpels. SPIE Optics + Photonics attendees had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Simi George, one of SCHOTT’s laser glass experts, to learn more about LG-960 and SCHOTT’s other laser glass offerings.
SCHOTT’s LG-960, an erbium-ytterbium doped phosphate laser glass, is stronger than other laser glasses, and features thermo-mechanical properties that enable high peak power and repetition rates during light pulse emissions without compromising performance.
This new glass makes possible more compact and lightweight components in range finding applications. In surgical and medical devices, such as tattoo removal, laser scalpels, and acne treatment, LG-960 can generate more precise and powerful lasers that can minimize scarring or bleeding. And in LIDAR systems in driverless cars, the glass enables more accurate measurements while also trimming the system’s total weight.
SCHOTT offers coated components that are optimized for the desired operating wavelength. These components can be provided as rods, slabs, and discs.
“Some laser glasses sacrifice performance for strength, but not LG-960, which maintains its energy output and high repetition rate without the risk of degradation,” said Dr George, the Senior Development Scientist and Program Manager at SCHOTT Advanced Optics. “SCHOTT’s focus on the strength and performance of its glass has resulted in light and compact lasers ideal for high-performance applications.”
SCHOTT also displayed its full portfolio of laser glass at the show, showcasing its active laser glasses and complementary passive glass components, including lenses, mirrors, laser windows, polarizers, and beam splitters.