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Infinitely adjustable beam expanders deliver the high level of precision required in laser material processing.

Beam expanders increase or decrease the diameter of a laser beam. In doing so, they enable different components of an optical system to adapt to one another. For example, the diameter of the laser beam at the laser exit point can be adapted to the required diameter at the lens entry point. In particular, beam expanders are used in laser material processing. You can integrate all beam expanders into a variety of beam guiding systems with Jenoptik's F-theta objective lenses.
The beam expanders boast sturdy construction and compact housing. The lens elements do not rotate, even during a set-up change. That makes for particularly high beam stability. Moreover, the beam expanders are diffraction-limited: The diameter of the laser beam is limited only by the diffraction of the incident light. A zoom and focus scale is engraved on the beam expander, enabling you to make quick and easy adjustments by hand.
Benefits Beam Expander
- High-precision: Optimized to deliver the level of precision required in laser material processing
- Robust and compact: No rotation of lens elements during a setup modification
- Optimized: Improved beam stability
- Flexible: Expansion and divergence can be adjusted separately
- Manual or motorized: New motorized version allows automation of the parameter settings.
Applications Beam Expander
- Microelectronics: E.g. micro structuring of glass
- Semiconductor industry: E.g. micromachining
- Automotive industry: E.g. cutting and structuring composites
- Medicine: E.g. removing gauze in therapeutic applications
Variable Beam Expander - manual adjustment
Beam Expander 1x-8x - High Power Systems

The beam expander 1x-8x is part of the SilverlineTM high-power lens series and is designed for laser applications in wavelength ranges of 355 or 1030–1080 nanometers.
The optical system of the objective lens is designed in such a way that a diffraction-limited image quality is achieved across the entire expansion range. The optimized coatings ensure the highest transmission and minimal thermal effects in wavelength ranges of 355 and 1030–1080 nanometers. The use of full quartz guarantees a high damage threshold, so the lenses can withstand even high-power laser applications.
The innovative frame concept means that the construction of the beam expanders is extremely compact and robust. The lenses are ideally suited to the F-theta objective lenses in the SilverlineTM series. They are used in the production of microstructures, markings and inscription in different materials.
- Further information to "New Alignment Set for Beam Expander Integration"
Beam Expander 1x-4x Steadfast - Very Robust Fused Silica Systems

The BEX 1x-4x Steadfast boasts an innovative mechanical design: The moving optical components are guided stably in a straight line. This reduces the influence of mechanical manufacturing tolerances and increases the beam stability when changing the magnification and/or divergence. The beam expander achieves a high beam stability of less than one milliradian.
It is also possible to lock the settings on the newly designed beam expander. That minimizes influences such as vibrations and accelerations on the system. Moreover, the BEX 1x-4x Steadfast is easy and safe to use, reducing set-up times to a minimum.
- Further information to "New Alignment Set for Beam Expander Integration"
Beam Expander 1x-4x - Fused Silica Systems

The variable beam expanders 1x-4x for wavelengths of 355 nm, 532 nm and 1030–1080 nm offer high image quality along with their very compact length. All versions can be adjusted continuously between 1 and 4 times the expansion factor. The larger the expanded beam, the smaller the structures the F-Theta lens can generate.
A focusing ring enables targeted adjustment of the laser beam divergence and therefore compensation of the focal length tolerances in the overall system. It is also possible to change the position of the image plane according to the scanning system.
With their optimized construction design, the beam expanders are extremely robust and compact so the lenses do not rotate during a set-up change. That improves beam stability. The beam expanders have a diffusion-limited design and are tempered for the respective application wavelengths of 355 nm, 532 nm or 1030–1080 nm. The settings can be adjusted using the zoom and focus scales engraved directly onto the beam expander.
All the beam expanders are suitable for use in different beam guidance systems with Jenoptik's F-Theta objective lenses.
Beam Expander 2x-10x - Large Magnification Range

The variable beam expanders for wavelengths of 355 nm, 532 nm and 1030–1080 nm have a particularly large zoom range. All versions can be adjusted continuously between 2 and 10 times the expansion factor.
These beam expanders were specifically designed for applications where greatly expanded beam diameters are beneficial. The larger the expanded beam, the smaller the structures the F-Theta lens can generate.
A focusing ring enables targeted adjustment of the laser beam divergence and therefore compensation of the focal length tolerances in the overall system. It is also possible to change the position of the image plane according to the scanning system.
With their optimized construction design, the beam expanders are extremely robust and compact so the lenses do not rotate during a set-up change. That improves beam stability. The beam expanders have a diffusion-limited design and are tempered for the respective application wavelengths of 355 nm, 532 nm or 1030–1080 nm. The settings can be adjusted using the zoom and focus scales engraved directly onto the beam expander.
All the beam expanders are suitable for use in different beam guidance systems with Jenoptik's F-Theta objective lenses.
Product Overview Beam Expander
Beam Expander (BEX) | Wavelength [nm] | Order Number | Data Sheet (DB) | STEP (STP) | Zemax-Blackbox (ZIP) 017052*- |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEX 1x-4x 2) | 1030...1080 | 017052-012-26 | DB 1x-4x | STP 1x-4x _1x STP 1x-4x _4x | ZIP *-012-26 |
515...540 | 017052-202-26 | ZIP *-202-26 | |||
355 | 017052-402-26 | ZIP *-402-26 | |||
BEX 1x-4x steadfast 3) | 1030...1080 | 582823 | DB 1x-4x steadfast | STP 1x-4x st _1x STP 1x-4x st _4x | ZIP 582823 |
515...540 | 593355 | ZIP 593355 | |||
355 | 593354 | ZIP 593354 | |||
BEX 2x-10x | 1030...1080 | 017052-001-26 | DB 2x-10x | STP 2x-10x _2x STP 2x-10x _10x | ZIP *-001-26 |
515...540 | 017052-201-26 | ZIP *-201-26 | |||
355* | 017052-401-26 | ZIP *-401-26 | |||
BEX 1x-8x 4) | 1030...1080 | 606997 | DB 1x-8x | 1064nm | STP 1x-8x_1x STP 1x-8x_8x | ZIP 606997 |
515...540 | 627443 | DB 1x-8x | 532nm | ZIP | ||
355* | 586117 | DB 1x-8x | 355nm | ZIP 586117 |
2) Registered Design in EU 000952049 | Granted Patent DE 10 2009 025 182
3) Pending Design in DE 40 2016 001 282.4 | Patent DE 10 2015 009 124.7
4) Registered Design in DE 40 2016 001 282.4 | Registered in CN, EU, HK, IN, JP, KR
Granted Patent DE 10 2015 009 124 | Patent pending CN-, CZ-, KR-, US-Appl.
* For UV lasers, the LIDT values are valid for pulse durations > 10 ps. For shorter pulses please be advised to test.
Downloads Beam Expander
Variable Beam Expander - motorized adjustment
Beam Expander 1x-8x Motorized - Automated Configuration Setting with Smart Beam Expander

New motorized beam expander 1x-8x simplifies production steps in laser material processing
The motorized beam expander 1x-8x marks a move by Jenoptik to adapt its portfolio to industry market requirements and to focus on the critical parameters of time, quality, and ease of handling. The beam expansion can be continuously adjusted from 1x to 8x using software commands.
The optimal spot size is adjustable during the running process. The divergence of the laser beam can be precisely adjusted to achieve tolerance compensation in the entire system, for example to compensate for thermal effects. Controlling the divergence also makes it possible to change the position of the working plane, for instance for 3D processing.
The lenses do not rotate while the laser beam is reduced or increased in sizebut are moved within a linear guide, resulting in excellent beam stability and constantly high quality. These features also reduce set-up time and increase the efficiency in production.
The motorized beam expander is a perfect match for Jenoptik's F-theta lenses in the SilverlineTM series and can be used in a large number of beam guidance systems. Thanks to the appropriate software interfaces, the new motorized beam expander can be easily integrated into any laser material processing system.
- Further information to "New Alignment Set for Beam Expander Integration"
Alignment Set
New Alignment Set for Beam Expander Integration

With the alignment set from Jenoptik, it is even easier to align optical beam expanders in the laser beam path, both during the initial set-up and during ongoing operation. The innovative clamping device for beam expanders is infinitely adjustable and is equipped with four-millimeter operating displacement and standardized screw connection. This means that the optical components can be aligned with one another more quickly and, at the same time, with high precision.
Four degrees of freedom are possible for beam expanders in the optical beam path using linear adjustment in the X and Y direction and angle adjustment in the X and Y direction, and these can also be combined with one another if required.
The alignment set is the ideal addition to the Jenoptik
- Beam Expander 1x–4x Steadfast
- Beam Expander 1x–8x as well as
- the Motorized Beam Expander.
Machine integrators, contract manufacturers, and laboratories benefit from simple integration of the optical components into their laser systems and faster set-up.
Accessories
- Bracket for machine installation
- Fiber connectors & collimators
- Turning cube for vertical installation
Technical Data & Product Overview
Beam Expander (BEX) | Wavelength [nm] | Order Number | Data Sheet (DB) | STEP (STP) | Zemax-Blackbox (ZIP) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
BEX 1x-8x Motorized | 1030...1080 | 611842 | DB BEX-M 1x-8x | STP BEX-M | ZIP 611842 |
515...540 | 627445 | ZIP | |||
355* | 613266 | ZIP 613266 |
Registered Design in DE 40 2016 001 282.4 | Registered in EU | Registered pending in CN, HK, IN, TW, IR (JP, KR, SG, US)
Granted Patent DE 10 2015 009 124 | Patent pending CN-, CZ-, KR-, US-Appl.
* For UV lasers, the LIDT values are valid for pulse durations > 10 ps. For shorter pulses please be advised to test.
Download Application Report
Application report
Article published in PHOTONICS in Germany magazine, issue 2019
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