Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror
Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors focus collimated light to a point or collimate light from a point source without spherical or chromatic aberration. Their off-axis geometry keeps the optical path unobstructed.
Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror Overview
Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors are precision optics for demanding systems requiring high reflectivity, low absorption, high laser damage threshold and excellent thermal stability.
Chenyu Optics manufactures custom OAP mirrors from fused silica, optical glass and aluminum with tailored aperture, effective focal length, parent focal length, off-axis angle and surface accuracy.
Aluminum, silver, gold and dielectric coatings optimize reflectivity for laser, spectroscopy, visible, near-infrared and infrared applications.
Key Advantages of Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors
Laser Focusing, Collimation & Custom EFL & OAA
Off-axis parabolic mirrors deliver precise reflective focusing or collimation without central obstruction, making them suitable for compact laser, spectroscopy and infrared systems.
Typical Specifications of Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror
| Material | Fused Silica / Glass / Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Diameter / Clear Aperture | Customized |
| Product Type | Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror |
| Optical Function | Focusing / Collimation / Beam Control |
| Effective Focal Length | Customized |
| Parent Focal Length | Customized |
| Off-Axis Angle | Customized |
| Wavelength Range | UV / VIS / NIR / IR, coating dependent |
| Reflectivity | Coating dependent |
| Surface Accuracy | Customized |
| Surface Quality | Customized |
Reflectance Curve & Coating Structure
Why Choose Chenyu Optics for Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors
Chenyu Optics supports drawing-based off-axis parabolic mirror manufacturing for laser, ultraviolet, sensing and aerospace optical systems, from prototype verification through repeat production.
Manufacturing Capability for Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors
Precision Mirror Substrate Polishing
Precision polishing of fused silica and optical glass substrates with custom diameter, thickness, flatness and surface quality.
Multilayer Dielectric Coating
High-reflectivity, low-absorption multilayer coatings optimized for wavelength, AOI, polarization and laser operating conditions.
Inspection & Packaging
Dimensional, surface and optical inspection followed by clean handling and protective packaging for precision off-axis parabolic mirrors.
Coating Options for Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors
Aluminum Coating
Broad spectral reflectivity with protected or enhanced options for UV, visible and infrared systems.
Silver Coating
High visible and near-infrared reflectivity with protected options for improved durability.
Gold & Dielectric Coatings
Gold supports infrared systems; dielectric coatings provide high reflectivity over specified wavelength ranges.
Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror Coating Selection
| Option | Typical Range | Recommended Use | Design Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | UV / VIS / IR broadband | General imaging and instruments | Protected or enhanced options available |
| Silver | VIS / NIR | High-reflectivity visible and NIR systems | Protected silver improves durability |
| Gold | Infrared | IR instruments and thermal optics | High infrared reflectivity |
| Dielectric | Specified wavelength band | Laser and precision optical systems | Specify wavelength, AOI and polarization |
Applications of Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors
Laser Focusing
Aberration-free focusing of collimated laser beams.
Laser Collimation
Collimation of light from point or fiber sources.
Beam Delivery
Unobstructed reflective beam routing and control.
Spectroscopy
Broadband collection and focusing without chromatic error.
Infrared Optics
Gold-coated OAP mirrors for infrared systems.
Broadband Instruments
Reflective focusing across wide wavelength ranges.
Scientific Research
Precision OAP optics for laboratory systems.
Optical Measurement
Low-aberration mirrors for metrology setups.
Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror FAQ
What is an off-axis parabolic mirror?
It is a section of a parent paraboloid displaced from the optical axis, used to focus or collimate light while keeping the beam path unobstructed.
What is its main advantage over a spherical mirror?
With properly aligned collimated input, a parabolic mirror eliminates spherical aberration and provides more precise focusing.
Does an OAP mirror have chromatic aberration?
No. Its focusing action is reflective rather than refractive, so the mirror itself does not introduce chromatic aberration.
What is the difference between effective and parent focal length?
Parent focal length belongs to the original paraboloid; effective focal length describes the usable off-axis section and system geometry.
Can the off-axis angle be customized?
Yes. Off-axis geometry, focal length, aperture, substrate, surface specifications and coating can be customized.
Handling & Manufacturing Notes
Need Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors for Precision Optical Systems?
Send us the substrate, clear aperture, effective focal length, parent focal length, off-axis angle or distance, wavelength, surface accuracy, surface quality, reflectivity, coating and quantity. Chenyu Optics will review the requirements and provide a suitable OAP mirror solution.