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Laboratory for Laser Energetics
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Gloved hand holding colorful circular optic.

Optical Technologies

As a vertically integrated laboratory, we provide support for the advanced development,
prototyping, and manufacturing of precision optics and optical systems. These advanced capabilities support experiments and R&D projects for the lab and for the laser community at large.

 

Optical Manufacturing

Our state-of-the-art facilities and highly-trained technicians fabricate lenses, mirrors, and other optical components with exacting tolerances using advanced materials and processes. This in-house manufacturing expertise ensures that every optical element meets stringent quality and performance standards.

  • Design and manufacture multilayer dielectric coatings for polarizers, beam splitters, and highly reflective mirrors as well as anti-reflection coatings for lenses and other transmissive optics
  • Produce coatings and assemble deformable mirrors
  • Integrate and mount optics into mechanical assemblies
  • Manufacture liquid crystal polarizers and liquid crystal waveplates
  • Evaluate optics and materials to measure performance and characterize their properties
  • Develop new processing methods for optical materials in order to fabricate components with enhanced resistance to laser damage while controlling the properties of light
  • Conduct optics inspection, cleaning, replacement, and configuration changes required for laser shot operations

Precision Optical Coatings

Coatings are essential to the performance of high-energy laser systems amid ever-increasing experimental requirements. We apply custom optical coatings that enhance the performance of precision optical components. These coatings are designed to control reflectivity or transmission at specific use criteria and to provide resistance to laser-induced damage.

Through proprietary coating technologies and coating design and development, our optics achieve superior efficiency and longevity critical for the laser systems used in experiments.

Materials Technology & Development

Improving the damage resistance of critical optical components greatly affects the performance of large-scale laser systems like OMEGA and OMEGA EP. Our specialists explore next-generation optical materials and devices to limit damage and enhance laser system capabilities.

Optical Metrology

Two people at a target metrology workstation.

Using advanced measurement techniques, the optical metrology team precisely characterizes optical properties such as wavefront quality, surface flatness, and alignment of lenses, mirrors, and other critical optical elements.

These meticulous measurements enable scientists and engineers to maintain the exacting specifications required for successful laser-driven fusion experiments and high-energy-density physics research.