Abstract: A process for the manufacture of custom freeform optical elements utilising parameterised modelling. A system for the automatic manufacture of a custom optical element is also described with the manufacturing being by laser micro-machining. The process and system allow customers to specify and order via a web interface and so reduce engineering time, overhead and cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of generating a laser pulse of a desired energy and micro-machining a substrate using the laser pulse. A beam of light is provided from a laser source. The beam is directed via a modulator to produce an output laser pulse with a portion of the laser pulse being used to determine the energy of the laser pulse. The modulator is controlled so as to switch off the output laser pulse when the determined energy of the output laser pulse reaches a threshold value. The output laser pulse is steered to a substrate for micro-machining.

Abstract: A system for measuring the wavefront characteristics of a powerful laser close to an emitting or transmitting surface of the laser. The system includes a beam sampler that has a sampling aperture for sampling radiation from a sampled area along the emitting or transmitting surface. The beam sampler includes a reflector for directing un-sampled radiation onto an absorber, which absorbs un-sampled radiation. Radiation sampled by the beam sampler is sensed using a sensor.

Abstract: A system for measuring the wavefront characteristics of a powerful laser close to an emitting or transmitting surface of the laser. The system includes a beam sampler that has a sampling aperture for sampling radiation from a sampled area along the emitting or transmitting surface. The beam sampler includes a reflector for directing un-sampled radiation onto an absorber, which absorbs un-sampled radiation. Radiation sampled by the beam sampler is sensed using a sensor.