Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors (Freeform Surface Mirrors)
Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors (OAP), also known as Freeform Surface Mirrors, are precision reflective optics designed to focus or collimate light with exceptional accuracy—completely free of chromatic aberration. By utilizing a segment of a parabolic surface away from its central axis, these mirrors provide unobstructed optical paths, enabling superior beam control in space-constrained or high-precision setups.
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Ideal for research and industrial optical systems—including laser processing heads, terahertz spectroscopy, and semiconductor laser integration—OAP mirrors optimize performance by minimizing scatter, simplifying alignment, and maintaining fidelity across ultra-broadband spectra. Their all-reflective design delivers consistent performance from the ultraviolet (UV) through the infrared (IR), making them a versatile solution for demanding applications.

Key Features
Engineered with geometric precision and high-reflectivity surfaces, Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors deliver reliable performance in the most challenging optical environments. Their unique asymmetric profile allows precise beam shaping while maximizing energy throughput.
Key characteristics include:
- High reflectivity with low scatter loss
- Broadband operation from UV to IR
- Ability to focus collimated light to a diffraction-limited spot without refractive elements
- Ideal for laser systems, reflective imaging, and terahertz applications where beam quality cannot be compromised
Advantages
A single OAP mirror can often replace complex multi-lens assemblies, reducing alignment complexity while eliminating chromatic effects. The monolithic design avoids cumulative alignment errors and ensures long-term stability.
Benefits include:
- Chromatic Aberration-Free Performance: Perfect for broadband and multi-wavelength systems.
- High Surface Accuracy & Low Scatter: Preserves beam quality and system efficiency.
- Wavelength-Independent Operation: Performs consistently from UV to IR.
- Simplified Integration: Fewer components mean faster assembly, lower maintenance, and higher system reliability.
Why Choose This Product
When optical performance must be maximized without adding complexity, Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors provide an elegant solution. By consolidating multiple functions into one precision surface, they streamline mechanical design and drastically reduce alignment time.
For laser-based setups, terahertz systems, or any broadband optical path, these mirrors offer an unmatched blend of precision, stability, and design flexibility. With a range of standard apertures and coatings available, you can tailor the mirror to your needs—without over-engineering or exceeding budget.
Standard Dimensions (90° Off-Axis)
We offer a comprehensive selection of standard apertures and focal lengths, available with or without a central hole. Standard sizes range from 12.7 mm to over 200 mm in diameter, with focal lengths optimized for each aperture.
Custom sizes and geometries can also be manufactured upon request.
Customization Options
We specialize in tailoring OAP mirrors to your exact system requirements. Customize:
- Aperture size and focal length
- Off-axis angle and parent parabola parameters
- Substrate material
- Coating type and spectral performance
- Mechanical mounting features
Whether for a research prototype or a volume production system, we can deliver a mirror that integrates seamlessly and performs reliably.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of an off-axis parabolic mirror over lenses?
OAP mirrors introduce zero chromatic aberration and work across extensive spectral ranges, making them superior to lenses for broadband and laser applications.
Are these mirrors suitable for high-power laser systems?
Absolutely. With the use of appropriate substrates and coatings, they are engineered to withstand high laser damage thresholds and maintain their performance under intense irradiation.
Can off-axis angles other than 90° be manufactured?
While 90° off-axis is standard, we regularly produce custom geometries—just let us know your optical layout requirements.
Do you offer mirrors with and without central holes?
Yes. Both holed and hole-free configurations are available across our standard aperture range.
Parameter
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Hard aluminum alloy |
| Diameter Tolerance | +0 / -0.2 mm |
| Off-Axis Angle | 90°, customizable upon request |
| Surface Quality | 60/40 or 40/20 |
| Clear Aperture | > 90% |
| Reflected Wavefront Error | < λ/4 RMS @ 632.8 nm |
| Surface Roughness | < 100 Å |
| Surface Treatment | Black anodized coating |
Coating Options
| Coating Type | Reflectance Performance |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Aluminum | Ravg > 90% @ 400–700 nm |
| Protected Aluminum | Ravg > 87% @ 400–1200 nm |
| UV Protected Aluminum | Ravg > 80% @ 250–700 nm |
| Protected Silver | Ravg > 95% @ 400–12000 nm |
| Enhanced Silver | Ravg > 98.5% @ 700–1100 nm |
| Protected Gold | Ravg > 98% @ 2000–12000 nm |
Laser Damage Threshold
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Damage Threshold | > 1 J/cm², 20 ns, 20 Hz @ 1064 nm |
Standard Off-Axis Parabolic Mirror Dimensions
Aperture | Focal Length | Off-Axis Angle |
0.5 in (12.7mm) Hole-free
| 0.5 in / 12.7mm | 90° |
1 in / 25.4mm | 90° | |
1.5 in / 38.1mm | 90° | |
2 in / 50.8mm | 90° | |
3 in / 76.2mm | 90° | |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
0.5 in (12.7mm) Holed
| 0.5 in / 12.7mm | 90° |
1 in / 25.4mm | 90° | |
1.5 in / 38.1mm | 90° | |
2 in / 50.8mm | 90° | |
3 in / 76.2mm | 90° | |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
1 in (25.4mm) Hole-free
| 1 in / 25.4mm | 90° |
1.5 in / 38.1mm | 90° | |
2 in / 50.8mm | 90° | |
3 in / 76.2mm | 90° | |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
6 in / 152.4mm | 90° | |
7 in / 177.8mm | 90° | |
8 in / 203.2mm | 90° | |
1 in (25.4mm) Holed
| 1 in / 25.4mm | 90° |
1.5 in / 38.1mm | 90° | |
2 in / 50.8mm | 90° | |
3 in / 76.2mm | 90° | |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
6 in / 152.4mm | 90° | |
7 in / 177.8mm | 90° | |
8 in / 203.2mm | 90° | |
2 in (50.8mm) Hole-free
| 2 in / 50.8mm | 90° |
3 in / 76.2mm | 90° | |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
6 in / 152.4mm | 90° | |
7 in / 177.8mm | 90° | |
8 in / 203.2mm | 90° | |
2 in (50.8mm) Holed
| 2 in / 50.8mm | 90° |
3 in / 76.2mm | 90° | |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
6 in / 152.4mm | 90° | |
7 in / 177.8mm | 90° | |
8 in / 203.2mm | 90° | |
3 in (76.2mm) Hole-free
| 3 in / 76.2mm | 90° |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
6 in / 152.4mm | 90° | |
7 in / 177.8mm | 90° | |
8 in / 203.2mm | 90° | |
3 in (76.2mm) Holed
| 3 in / 76.2mm | 90° |
4 in / 101.6mm | 90° | |
5 in / 127mm | 90° | |
6 in / 152.4mm | 90° | |
7 in / 177.8mm | 90° | |
8 in / 203.2mm | 90° |








