Question regarding laser beam width / spot size

[David Fairfield]

Question-- what (besides focus or changing lenses) can cause spot size / beam width to change?


Dave

[Rodne Gold]

A beam expander or collimator will change things.

[Scott Shepherd]

Dirt on a mirror upstream.

[Brian Montes]

There is a myriad of things that can affect the overall spot size. Maybe you can tell us the issue you are having or what you are trying to achieve.

[David Fairfield]

More just a general question about how to keep the machinery tuned up, beyond the basic alignment and cleaning. Should lenses be replaced every few years? That sort of thing. Thanks!

Dave

[Dan Hintz]

Lenses only need to be replaced when they're damaged... chipped, heavily scratched, lost AR coating (which I don't believe we have anyway), etc.