Mid-IR Mirrors

MIR mirrors are suitable for laser radiation in the mid-infrared range (1.5 - 8 µm). This radiation is particularly well absorbed by hydrocarbons and water. It is primarily used in medical applications and plastics processing.

On the one, hand Wavelengths in the MIR range are generated by direct laser excitations at wavelengths of about 2 µm (Ho:YAG laser, Tm:YAG laser) and 3 µm (Er:YAG laser). On the other hand, they can be generated by optical parametric frequency conversion (periodically poled lithium niobate) for which there is no direct laser transition. The emission range of such optical-parametric oscillators extends to wavelengths of about 8 µm.

  Er:YAG system with pilot laser

LAYERTEC produces a range of reflecting and transmitting optical components for the MIR range. Standard substrates like fused silica as well as standard coating materials partly show high absorption in this wavelength range. To cover broader wavelength ranges, the coating designs are specially configured.