In a high energy laser situation like Co2 laser, there are 2 things that make a better mirror (energy loss is not a big deal, absorption is):
The loss of power is directly converted to heat.
Excess heat in the mirror and in the mirror holder will have negative effects on flatness of the mirror, and possibly beam alignment.
The other difference in mirror quality is flatness.
The images below are of a Mo mirror that came with a K50 and one of American Photonics.
The lines should be parallel and evenly spaced if the mirror was flat.
The one from the K50 is concave in the center and convex around the edge.
American Photonics mirrors are very flat, absorb less and are made in the USA.
- $32 for 3pc 20mm
- $36 for 3pc 25mm
By Natalia Pereira
