The Role of 30° Fan Angle Powell Lenses in Laser Applications

Powell lenses are laser line generator lenses that scatter collimated beams in a single dimension. Shaped like a prism with a rounded roof, they convert a narrow laser beam into an evenly illuminated line.

In contrast to cylindrical lenses that produce lines with faded edges and a central hot spot, Powell lenses generate straight lines with equally distributed energy and light.

Project Overview

This project comprises a custom-manufactured Powell lens with specifications according to the client’s needs. It centers around two key indicators that impact the design of Powell prisms: the fan angle and the incident spot size. 

Indicators of Powell Prism​

Two key indicators impact the way Powell prisms are designed: the fan angle and the incident spot size.

The fan angle refers to the angle of the light beam as it moves through the Powell lens and scatters into a fan. The greater the fan angle, the longer the linear beam obtained at the same distance.

Fan Angle of Powell prism

Fan Angle of Powell prism. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.

The size of the incident light spot is another crucial indicator that impacts the design of the Powell lens. For a laser with a Gaussian distribution, the incident spot size indicates the spot diameter when the energy falls to a peak of 1/e².

Overall, specific Powell prisms are only appropriate for incident beams of the corresponding size. If the size of the outgoing beam is not matched, the energy distribution of the beam will be significantly affected.

30° Fan Angle Powell lens​

The following is a Powell lens with a 30 ° fan angle, designed for an incident spot size of 2.5 mm and optimized for visible light wavelengths.

Source: Avantier Inc.

   
Fan Angle 30°
Input Beam Diameter 2.5 mm
Wavelength 400-700 nm

 

 

The product’s material is selected with a low refractive index due to the relatively small fan angle. The spot uniformity is good, and the uniformity is higher than 10 % in the range of 80 %.

The layout and energy distribution of the Powell lens

The layout and energy distribution of the Powell lens. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.

According to the design, the actual product photos are as follows.

 Physical photograph of Powell Prisms

Physical photograph of Powell Prisms. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.

Key Considerations for Powell Lens Design ​

Factors that must be considered while designing a Powell lens:

  • Laser wavelength: Powell lenses are built for specific laser wavelengths. It is essential for lens designs to match the laser wavelength required for use
  • Line width: How wide the client requires the laser length for their application
  • Line length: How long the client requires the laser length for their use
  • Working distance: The distance between the lens and the workpiece should be taken into account
  • Beam quality: The quality of the laser beam should be taken into account 

Avantier’s Custom Powell Lens​es

Powell lenses are important for applications that require uniform laser line illumination. The lenses enable even energy distribution and precise performance by focusing on key design indicators like fan angle and incident spot size.

The 30 ° fan angle Powell lens, built for a 2.5 mm input beam diameter and visible light wavelengths, is a perfect example of these principles. Its low refractive index material delivers superb spot uniformity, making it useful for a variety of use cases in industry and research.

Understanding and optimizing these aspects is important for reaching the desired laser beam quality and performance in multiple settings.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Avantier Inc.

For more information on this source, please visit Avantier Inc.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Avantier Inc.. (2024, September 10). The Role of 30° Fan Angle Powell Lenses in Laser Applications. AZoOptics. Retrieved on October 08, 2024 from https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2657.

  • MLA

    Avantier Inc.. "The Role of 30° Fan Angle Powell Lenses in Laser Applications". AZoOptics. 08 October 2024. <https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2657>.

  • Chicago

    Avantier Inc.. "The Role of 30° Fan Angle Powell Lenses in Laser Applications". AZoOptics. https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2657. (accessed October 08, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Avantier Inc.. 2024. The Role of 30° Fan Angle Powell Lenses in Laser Applications. AZoOptics, viewed 08 October 2024, https://www.azooptics.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=2657.

Ask A Question

Do you have a question you'd like to ask regarding this article?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.