elliptical first-surface mirror 45 degree bevel protected aluminum

Product Description

Premium Research-Grade First-Surface Elliptical Flat Mirror – Lab Surplus
Precision Optical Component: 1.5″ × 2″ (38mm × 51mm) Elliptical Mirror with Custom 45° Bevel Edge – Protected Aluminum Coating on BK7 Substrate – 8mm Thick – Excellent Condition

A high-quality first-surface elliptical mirror sourced directly from university/research laboratory surplus, where it supported advanced optical experiments. With its precision 45° beveled edge, broadband protected aluminum coating, and rigid 8mm BK7 substrate, this mirror delivers exceptional performance for laser beam steering, interferometry, and precision optical systems. Pristine, like-new condition – ready for immediate deployment.

---

🔍 Key Specifications:

📐 Dimensions & Geometry:

• Minor Axis: 1.5″ (38.1 mm)

• Major Axis: 2.0″ (50.8 mm)

• Projected Aperture at 45°: Near-circular – optimized for 45° incidence

• Thickness: 8 mm – superior rigidity, minimal flexure

• Edge: Precision 45° beveled bottom edge – custom research-grade feature

💎 Substrate & Coating:

• Material: BK7 optical glass – borosilicate crown, excellent polishability, thermal stability

• Coating Type: First-surface protected aluminum (Al + SiO/MgF₂ overcoat)

• Reflectivity: ~92–95% broadband from 450 nm to near-IR

• Back Surface: Professionally ground/frosted – eliminates parasitic reflections and ghost images

• Durability: Hard overcoat resists oxidation, scratching, and cleaning damage

✅ Condition:

• Reflective Surface: Pristine – no scratches, coating defects, or degradation

• Edges: Clean, precision-ground, no chips

• Origin: University/research laboratory surplus – professionally handled and stored

• Includes: Mirror only – no mounting hardware

---

⚙️ Why This Mirror is Exceptional:

🔬 Research-Grade Pedigree:
This is not a catalog commodity item – it is a custom-fabricated research optic from an active laboratory environment. The combination of elliptical geometry, 45° bevel, and frosted back surface represents deliberate engineering for specific advanced applications.

🎯 Unique 45° Bevel Edge – A Rare Feature:
The precision-ground 45° bevel on the bottom edge is a custom fabrication feature rarely found in surplus optics:

• Instant angle verification – set against any flat reference for exact 45° incidence

• Rapid prototyping – no need for complex mount adjustments

• Hands-free positioning – ideal for temporary setups and educational demonstrations

• Research-grade convenience – typically a special-order item at significant premium

💎 Protected Aluminum Coating – The Workhorse of Laser Labs:

• Broadband performance – single mirror works from 450 nm to 2+ µm

• Neutral color balance – no spectral skewing in multi-wavelength systems

• Durable overcoat – withstands repeated cleaning and handling

• Cost-effective – no need for specialized dielectric coatings in most applications

🛡️ Frosted Back Surface – Professional-Grade Detail:
The ground/etched rear surface is a hallmark of precision optics:

• Eliminates ghost reflections – no secondary focal planes or stray light

• Improves SNR in detection and imaging systems

• Rare in surplus mirrors – typically omitted in commercial economy optics

📏 Rigid 8mm Substrate:
At 8 mm thick, this mirror offers:

• Exceptional flatness retention – no gravitational sag in vertical orientations

• Thermal stability – resists focus shift with temperature

• Vibration resistance – ideal for interferometry and precision alignment

---

🛠️ Applications & Uses:

💫 Laser Beam Steering & Folding:

• 45° turning mirrors for HeNe, diode, Nd:YAG, and Ti:Sapphire lasers

• Beam periscopes and elevation changers

• Multi-pass cell folding optics

• Laser cavity fold mirrors (moderate power, CW applications)

🔬 Interferometry & Precision Metrology:

• Michelson, Mach-Zehnder, and Twyman-Green interferometers

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) reference arm steering

• Phase-shifting interferometry beam routing

• Fringe projection systems

🎓 Scientific Research & Education:

• University physics teaching labs – demonstrate reflection, polarization, and beam steering

• Advanced laboratory courses – build interferometers from scratch

• Research prototyping – rapid optical breadboard configuration

📷 Machine Vision & Imaging:

• Compact optical paths in inspection systems

• Periscopic viewers for confined spaces

• Scanning systems beam redirection

🔭 DIY & Advanced Hobbyist:

• Telescope beam folding – reduce instrument length

• Periscope construction – 45° bevel simplifies alignment

• High-end optics projects – professional-grade component for serious amateurs