Galvanometer optical scanners also called Galvos or Galvo scanners are motorized mirror mounts and systems used for laser-beam steering or scanning applications. They are ideal for moving small laser beams fast, with incredible accuracy and precision. Galvo Scanners are highly dynamic electro-optical components that use a rotatable low-inertia mirror to position a laser beam with high precision and repeatability. Galvanometer scanners are found wherever laser beams are steered: materials processing, laser light shows, manufacturing, packaging, cutting, marking, welding, and numerous other applications.

The name galvanometer is derived from the motor type. Galvanometer motors are limited-rotation DC motors. Controlled motion is achieved with an internal position detector that enables closed loop servo control of the motor by providing a position signal proportional to the rotation of the motor shaft.

Galvanometers scanners are typically equipped with heaters and temperature sensors that allows for temperature stabilization. This allows the temperature of the device to remain constant and further enhances long-term stability, even under fluctuating ambient conditions.

Applications

Optimized mirrors are available for a wide variety of applications, with coatings for all common wavelengths and laser powers.

Silver - Silver coated mirrors offer the highest reflectance in the visible-NIR spectrum (450 nm - 2 µm, Ravg >97.5%) of any metallic mirror, while also offering high reflectance in the IR (2 - 20 µm, Ravg > 96%). Performs best in low humidity environments

Gold - Gold coatings are effective for applications requiring high reflectance in the NIR and IR regions. The performance of gold (96% reflectivity from 750 – 1500nm)

YAG – For Yag high power lasers, High reflectivity Ultra hard dielectric coatings wavelength mirror for 1064 and 532 nm.

CO2 - For CO2 lasers Silicon is used on low to medium power systems. Copper, with its superior thermal conductivity is used for very high-powered systems and Molybdenum is used in dirty environments where durability and repeated cleanings are required.

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