Beam Expanders -Avantier Inc.

Beam expanders increase the diameter of beams of collimated light and simultaneously decrease beam divergence. Avantier produces custom and stock beam expanders for remote sensing and interferometry, as well as spaceborne optical systems including laser communication terminals (LCT) and space telescope assemblies

Beam Expanders

A beam expander is formed of prisms, of lenses, or a combination of both, with the choice of architecture driven largely by power handling, beam quality requirements, and system footprint.

Multi-prism Beam Expanders

Multi-prism beam expanders are formed from two to five prisms arranged to expand a beam through refraction rather than optical power. Because they rely on flat, tilted surfaces rather than curved lens elements, they avoid the thermal lensing and chromatic aberration that can degrade beam quality in high-power systems. The behavior of these prism sequences is described using ray transfer matrices, with the generalized framework known as multi-prism dispersion theory.

Telescopic beam expanders consist of two lenses separated by the sum of their focal lengths, using optical power rather than refraction at flat surfaces to achieve magnification. These transmissive beam expanders can be divided into two primary types: Keplerian and Galilean telescopes.

Keplerian and Galilean Telescopes

A Keplerian telescope consists of two lenses with positive focal lengths separated by the sum of their focal lengths, with the beam converging to a real focus between them before re-collimating at a larger diameter. These simple beam expanders have high expansion ratios, and because the two lenses have positive focal lengths, the input beam will focus at a point between the two lenses, enabling spatial filtering. However, that same property makes Keplerian beam expanders problematic for high power laser applications, as the resulting energy density and heat at the focal point can deflect light and lead to wavefront errors.

A Galilean telescope consists of a negative lens followed by a positive lens, separated by the difference of their focal lengths, expanding the beam without ever forming a real focus between them. This configuration supports high expansion ratios in a more compact form factor than the Keplerian design, since the negative and positive focal lengths partially cancel in determining the overall length. Because no internal focus is formed, Galilean beam expanders avoid the energy density buildup that causes wavefront errors and air breakdown in high power laser applications, making them the preferred choice for high-peak-power systems.

Most beam expanders are designed as afocal telescope systems, using Galilean or Keplerian optical configurations to enlarge collimated laser beams while preserving beam quality. These same optical principles are widely used in precision telescope assemblies for aerospace, defense, and scientific instrumentation.

Avantier designs and manufactures optical components for precision telescope systems. Learn more.

Applications of Beam Expanders

Beam expanders are used when the diameter of a collimated beam must be increased. They can also be used to change the focus spot size of a focusing lens, or to maintain beam collimation over long path lengths in an optical system. Common applications include increasing beam diameter before a focusing lens to reduce spot size, illuminating diffraction gratings in tunable laser resonators for narrow-linewidth emission, and maintaining low divergence over long ranges in LIDAR and free-space communication systems.

In Laser Communication Terminals (LCTs), beam expanders reduce beam divergence, improve pointing accuracy, and maximize optical power transfer over long-range links. This makes reliable free-space optical communication possible between satellites, aircraft, UAVs, and ground stations.

Looking for a custom beam expander for your LCT application? Let us know about your precision mission requirements and request a custom quote!

Specifications

Parameter	Standard & Custom Capability
Magnification/Expansion Ratio	1.5x to 10x
Configuration	Galilean / Keplerian
Input Beam Diameter	2.8 mm to 15 mm
Output Beam Diameter	11.25 mm to 22.5 mm
Wavelength Range	355 nm to 10.6 μm
Transmitted Wavefront Error (TWE)	λ/10
Damage Threshold	Specific project analysis is required

Stock Beam Expanders at Avantier

Avantier’s stock Beam Expanders are designed to enhance laser applications, remote sensing, and interferometry by enlarging collimated light beams while reducing divergence. With a versatile magnification range from 1.5 times to 10 times, tailored optics and coatings, precise collimation, enhanced divergence control, high transmittance, and suitability for high-power laser conditions, these assemblies offer precision, versatility, and reliability for diverse optical system needs.

Part Number	Design Wavelength	Magnification	Maximum Pupil Diameter	Maximum Outgoing Spot Diameter	Interface	Adjustable Divergence Angle	Maximum Shell Length	Maximum Shell Diameter	Delivery Time
AVTCB-0001	1030nm	1.5×	7.5	11.25	M30×1	±5	48	44	One Week
AVTCB-0002	9.3um	1.5×	15	22.5	M32×0.75	±5	80	65	One Week
AVTCB-0003	9.3um	2×	11	22	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0004	9.4um	3×	7	21	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0005	10.6um	1.5×	15	22.5	M30×1	±5	75.22	39.6	One Week
AVTCB-0006	10.6um	1.5×	15	22.5	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0007	10.6um	2×	11	22	M30×1	±5	75.04	39.6	One Week
AVTCB-0008	10.6um	2×	11	22	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0009	10.6um	3×	7	21	M30×1	±5	69.9	39.6	One Week
AVTCB-0010	10.6um	3×	7	21	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0011	10.6um	4×	5.6	22.4	M30×1	±5	75.21	39.6	One Week
AVTCB-0012	10.6um	4×	5.6	22.4	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0013	10.6um	5×	4.5	22.5	M30×1	±5	72.16	39.6	One Week
AVTCB-0014	10.6um	5×	4.5	22.5	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0015	10.6um	6×	3.7	22.2	M30×1	±5	72.07	39.6	One Week
AVTCB-0016	10.6um	6×	3.7	22.2	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0017	10.6um	8×	2.8	22.4	M30×1	±5	80	39.6	One Week
AVTCB-0018	10.6um	8×	2.8	22.4	M32×0.75	±5	72	50	One Week
AVTCB-0019	10.6um	10×	2.2	22	M32×0.75	±5	85	46	One Week
AVTCB-0020	355nm	1.5×	6	9	M30×1	±5	76.5	46	One Week
AVTCB-0021	355nm	2×	6	12	M30×1	±5	75.03	46	One Week
AVTCB-0022	355nm	2.5×	6	15	M30×1	±5	61	36	One Week
AVTCB-0023	355nm	3×	6	18	M30×1	±3	77.32	46	One Week
AVTCB-0024	355nm	3×	6	18	M22×0.75	±3	77.5	46	One Week
AVTCB-0025	355nm	4×	6	24	M30×1	±3	77.2	46	One Week
AVTCB-0026	355nm	4×	6	24	M30×1	±5	82	46	One Week
AVTCB-0027	355nm	5×	4	20	M22×0.75	±3	71	46	One Week
AVTCB-0028	355nm	5×	4	20	M30×1	±3	71	46	One Week
AVTCB-0029	355nm	5×	4	20	M22×0.75	±5	77	38	One Week
AVTCB-0030	355nm	5×	3	15	M22×0.75	——	62.5	28	One Week
AVTCB-0031	355nm	5×	5	25	M30×1	±5	75	46	One Week
AVTCB-0032	355nm	6×	2.5	15	M22×0.75	——	70	28	One Week
AVTCB-0033	355nm	6×	1.6	9.6	M20×0.75	——	93.66	28	One Week
AVTCB-0034	355nm	6×	3	18	M30×1		85	36	One Week
AVTCB-0035	355nm	7×	3	21	M30×1	±5	93	46	One Week
AVTCB-0036	355nm	8×	3	24	M30×1	——	84	46	One Week
AVTCB-0037	355nm	8×	3	24	M22×0.75	±3	84	46	One Week
AVTCB-0038	355nm	8×	2	16	M22×0.75	——	81.5	27	One Week
AVTCB-0039	355nm	10×	2	20	M22×0.75	——	100	36	One Week
AVTCB-0040	355nm	10×	0.8	8	M22×0.75	——	71.5	28	One Week
AVTCB-0041	355nm	10×	0.8	8	M22×0.75	——	102.5	27	One Week
AVTCB-0042	355nm	10×	2	20	M30×1	±5	97	46	One Week
AVTCB-0043	355nm	15×	0.8	12	M22×0.75	±3	95	44	One Week
AVTCB-0044	355nm	20×	1	20	M30×1	±5	96	45	One Week
AVTCB-0045	532nm	1.5×	7	10.5	M22×0.75	±5	68.8	30	One Week
AVTCB-0046	532nm	2×	4	8	M22×0.75	±5	61.5	33	One Week
AVTCB-0047	532nm	2×	4	8	M22×0.75	±5	82.68	30	One Week
AVTCB-0048	532nm	3×	4	12	M22×0.75	±5	79.35	30	One Week
AVTCB-0049	532nm	4×	5	20	M23×0.75	±5	83.2	30	One Week
AVTCB-0050	532nm	5×	3	15	M22×0.75	±5	85.32	30	One Week
AVTCB-0051	532nm	6×	3	18	M30×0.5	±5	83.2	30	One Week
AVTCB-0052	532nm	8×	2	16	M22×0.75	——	67	25	One Week
AVTCB-0053	532nm	10×	1	10	M22×0.75	±5	85.32	30	One Week
AVTCB-0054	532nm	12×	2	24	M22×0.75	±3	120	33	One Week
AVTCB-0055	532nm	15×	1	15	M30×1	±5	84.96	45	One Week
AVTCB-0056	1064nm	1.2×	10	12	M22×0.75	±5	54.93	29	One Week
AVTCB-0057	1064nm	1.5×	10	15	M22×0.75	±5	44.46	29	One Week
AVTCB-0058	1064nm	2×	8	16	M22×0.75	±3	58	33	One Week
AVTCB-0059	1064nm	2×	6	12	M22×0.75	±5	42	26	One Week
AVTCB-0060	1064nm	2.5×	5	12.5	M22×0.75	±5	84.75	31	One Week
AVTCB-0061	1064nm	3×	5	15	——	±5	58	40	One Week
AVTCB-0062	1064nm	3×	5	15	M22×0.75	±4	58.47	29	One Week
AVTCB-0063	1064nm	4×	4	16	M22×0.75	±5	81.14	29	One Week
AVTCB-0064	1064nm	4×	4	16	M22×0.75	——	77	34	One Week
AVTCB-0065	1064nm	4×	5	20	M20×0.75	±5	78.33	35	One Week
AVTCB-0066	1064nm	6×	3	18	M22×0.75	±5	71.29	29	One Week
AVTCB-0067	1064nm	8×	2	16	M22×0.75	±5	77.34	29	One Week
AVTCB-0068	1064nm	10×	1	10	M22×0.75	±5	83.5	29	One Week
AVTCB-0069	1064nm	13×	1	13	——	±2	77	27	One Week
AVTCB-0070	1064nm	15×	1.2	18	——	——	69.5	27	One Week
AVTCB-0071	1064nm	16×	1	16	——	——	77.08	27	One Week
AVTCB-0072	1064nm	17×	1	17	——	——	77	27	One Week
AVTCB-0073	1064nm	20×	1	20	——	——	91.5	27	One Week
AVTCB-0074	9.3um	2.5×	5	12.5	——	——	55	25	One Week
AVTCB-0075	9.3um	2.5×	8	20	M22×0.75	±5	57.4	28	One Week
AVTCB-0076	9.3um	3×	4	12	——	——	61	20	One Week
AVTCB-0077	9.3um	3×	4	12	——	——	68	25	One Week
AVTCB-0078	9.3um	3×	4	12	M22×0.75	——	68	25	One Week
AVTCB-0079	9.3um	4×	4	16	——	——	67	28	One Week
AVTCB-0080	9.3um	4×	3	12	——	——	76	25	One Week
AVTCB-0081	9.3um	4×	3	12	M22×0.75	±5	71	28	One Week
AVTCB-0082	9.3um	6×	3	18	——	——	75	36	One Week
AVTCB-0083	9.3um	8×	3	24	——	——	73	36	One Week
AVTCB-0084	9.3um	10×	2	20	M22×0.75	±5	125	44	One Week
AVTCB-0085	9.4um	2×	8	16	M22×0.75	±3	59	28	One Week
AVTCB-0086	9.4um	3×	4	12	M22×0.75	±5	61	28	One Week
AVTCB-0087	9.4um	3×	9	27	M22×0.75	±3	88	46	One Week
AVTCB-0088	9.4um	4×	3	12	——	——	67	28	One Week
AVTCB-0089	9.4um	5×	3	15	——	——	72	30	One Week
AVTCB-0090	9.4um	5×	3	15	M22×0.75	±5	84	31	One Week
AVTCB-0091	9.4um	6×	3	18	M22×0.75	±5	76	32	One Week
AVTCB-0092	9.4um	8×	3	24	M22×0.75	±3	139.5	43	One Week
AVTCB-0093	10.6um	1×	8	8	M22×0.75	±5	54.91	40	One Week
AVTCB-0094	10.6um	1.5×	6	9	——	——	34.5	20	One Week
AVTCB-0095	10.6um	2×	5	10	——	——	35	22	One Week
AVTCB-0096	10.6um	2×	5	10	M22×0.75	——	35	22	One Week
AVTCB-0097	10.6um	2×	5	10	M22×0.75	±5	50	32	One Week
AVTCB-0098	10.6um	2×	10	20	M22×0.75	±5	48.1	36	One Week
AVTCB-0099	10.6um	2.3×	5	11.5	——	——	55	25.5	One Week
AVTCB-0100	10.6um	2.5×	5	12.5	——	——	55	27	One Week
AVTCB-0101	10.6um	2.5×	5	12.5	——	——	55	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0102	10.6um	2.5×	5	12.5	M22×1	——	55	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0103	10.6um	2.5×	5	12.5	M22×0.75	±5	57.4	28	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0104	10.6um	2.5×	4	10	M22×0.75	±5	55.2	20	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0105	10.6um	2.5×	4	10	M16×0.75	±3	36	20	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0106	10.6um	3×	3	9	——	——	61	20	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0107	10.6um	3×	5	15	——	——	68	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0108	10.6um	3×	5	15	M22×0.75	——	68	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0109	10.6um	3×	3	9	M16×0.75	±5	59.1	20	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0110	10.6um	3×	5	15	M22×0.75	±5	61	28	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0111	10.6um	3×	8	24	M22×0.75	±4	75.5	44	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0112	10.6um	3×	7	21	M22×0.75	±4	64	36	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0113	10.6um	3.3×	8	26.4	M29×1	±5	81.2	44	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0114	10.6um	4×	4	16	——	——	76	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0115	10.6um	4×	4	16	M22×0.75	——	76	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0116	10.6um	4×	4	16	——	——	67	28	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0117	10.6um	4×	4	16	M22×0.75	±4	71	28	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0118	10.6um	4×	4	16	M22×0.75	±4	75	28	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0119	10.6um	4×	5	20	M22×0.75	±5	67.3	36	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0120	10.6um	4×	3	12	M16×0.75	±5	57	20	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0121	10.6um	5×	3	15	——	——	80	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0122	10.6um	5×	3	15	M22×0.75	——	80	25	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0123	10.6um	5×	3	15	M22×0.75	±5	75	30	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0124	10.6um	6×	4	24	——	——	75	36	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0125	10.6um	6×	4	24	M22×0.75	——	75	36	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0126	10.6um	6×	2	12	M16×0.75	±5	58.45	21.2	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0127	10.6um	6×	4	24	M22×0.75	±5	89.5	34	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0128	10.6um	7×	7	49	M34×0.75	±5	91.8	71	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0129	10.6um	7×	4	28	——	——	77	36	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0130	10.6um	8×	3	24	——	——	73	36	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0131	10.6um	8×	3	24	M22×0.75	——	73	36	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0132	10.6um	8×	3	24	M22×0.75	±3	139.5	43	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0133	10.6um	10×	3	30	M22×0.75	±5	125	44	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0134	10.6um	15×	2	30	M30×1	±5	118.4	53	One Week	One Week
AVTCB-0135	10.6um	20×	2	40	M25×0.75	±5	144	65	One Week	One Week

Part Number	Wavelength	Expansion	Max. Input Beam Diameter (mm)	Max Output Beam Diameter (mm)	Input Thread	Adjustable Divergence Angle (°)	Length	Delivery Time
AVTCB-0136	355nm	1-3×	5.0-9.0	15	M46×1	120.00	50.0	One Week
AVTCB-0137	355nm	1-3×	7	21	M24×0.75	107.00	44.0	One Week
AVTCB-0138	355nm	2-8×	2.0-4.0	18	M29×0.75	158.50	56.0	One Week
AVTCB-0139	355nm	2-10×	3.0-8.0	30	——	155.00	43.0	One Week
AVTCB-0140	532nm	2-8×	2.0-5.0	21	——	139.90	42.0	One Week
AVTCB-0141	532nm	2-10×	3.0-8.0	30	M30×1	172.00	55.0	One Week
AVTCB-0142	532nm	2-10×	3.0-8.0	30	——	160.00	43.0	One Week
AVTCB-0143	1064nm	1-3×	8	24	M22×0.75	102.35	37.6	One Week
AVTCB-0144	1064nm	1-4×	8	32	M39×0.75	230.00	71.0	One Week
AVTCB-0145	1064nm	2-8×	3.0-6.0	28	M29×0.75	158.50	56.0	One Week
AVTCB-0146	1064nm	2-8×	3.5	28	——	143.30	42.0	One Week
AVTCB-0147	1064nm	2-10×	3.0-8.0	30	——	164.00	43.0	One Week
AVTCB-0148	9.4um	1-4×	9	36	M49x0.75	196.50	87.0	One Week
AVTCB-0149	9.4um	2-8×	4	32	——	179.00	57.0	One Week
AVTCB-0150	10.6um	1-4×	9	36	——	134.00	65.5	One Week
AVTCB-0151	10.6um	2-8×	4	32	——	168.15	50.0	One Week

Beam Expanders at Avantier

Our beam expanders offer a versatile range of magnification, spanning from 1.5 times to 10 times, and we specialize in crafting tailored optics and coatings to meet the precise requirements of your specific applications.

Precise collimation of diffraction-limited beams across a broad spectrum of input beams
Achieve magnifications ranging from 1.5 times to 10 times
Utilize an adaptable Beam Expander to enhance the divergence angle of laser beams
Ensure high transmittance while minimizing energy loss
Designed to operate effectively under high-power laser conditions
Customized optics and coatings tailored to meet specific application requirements

Our design and engineering team is ready to work with you to produce the exact optical component needed for your application. Please contact us today to place your custom order or schedule an initial consultation.

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