This new product is a simple, fast  yet accurate way of testing Laser Beams for Collimation and is available now from Scientific Products. This fine instrument is a precision testing tool used to check the collimation of laser beams, from the most complex system to a simple lens.  It is used with lasers, laser diodes and collimated optical assemblies within the UV-Visible-IR spectral range. The best part is that it is not very expensive.  The output beam sizes are from 3 mm to 50 mm for standard models and the larger sizes are by special order.  

The way it works is: simply position the collimation LBCT-tester in the path of a laser beam, rotate it approximately 45 degrees, to direct the beam perpendicular to the input laser beam, as shown in the photo layout.  Then observe the interference pattern projected on a white card, screen or CCD camera/monitor setup.  When the output fringes are oriented parallel to the reference line of the LBCT-tester the laser beam is collimated. That’s all there is to it!  

If the fringes are not parallel to the reference line you may make any adjustments needed to the input laser beam, to reorient the fringes, while viewing the output on the screen.