Overview

Lasers are used in a wide variety of applications, including medicine, materials processing, information technology, and metrology. Most lasers contain optical windows and mirrors (intracavity) and most laser systems use a variety of windows, beamsplitters, deflectors, mirrors, and lenses. Those components used in high power laser applications have to withstand high peak power and/or energy densities to avoid laser-induced damage, thus their component specifications are more demanding than those used in low power applications. The standard DIN EN ISO 11151 specifies requirements for laser components and facilitates the supply of spare parts by specifying preferred dimensions and tolerances, thereby reducing the variety of types; by standardizing the specifications and removing barriers to trade; and by establishing an agreed designation for item orders. It covers planar, plano-spherical and spherical substrates, lenses, and optical components that are designed specifically as standardized optical components normally offered through a catalogue from suppliers and intended for use with lasers. The standard includes descriptions of components, materials used, geometric dimensions and manufacturing tolerances (including surface finish, surface profile and parallelism), but does not specify requirements for coatings. The latter can be found in the standards of the DIN ISO 9211 series. The DIN EN ISO 11151 standard is available in two parts: DIN EN ISO 11151-1 applies to components used in the UV, visible and near-infrared spectral range from 170 nm to 2 100 nm. DIN EN ISO 11151-2 applies to components used in the near-infrared to mid-infrared spectral range from 2,10 µm to 15,0 µm. The decision to make the division between parts 1 and 2 at the wavelength 2,10 µm was made because the fewest laser applications exist at this wavelength. The international standard on which DIN EN ISO 11151 is based has been prepared by ISO/TC 172/SC 9 "Electro-optical systems" in collaboration with CEN/TC 123 "Lasers and photonics" (both secretariats: DIN, Germany). The committee responsible for this standard is Working Committee NA 027-01-18 AA "Laser" ("Laser") at DIN Standards Committee Optics and Precision Mechanics (NAFuO).

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

NA 027-01-18 AA - Laser and electro-optical systems  

Responsible european committee

CEN/TC 123 - Lasers and photonics  

Responsible international committee

ISO/TC 172/SC 9 - Laser and electro-optical systems