A New Platform for Advanced Scanning

Waterloo is proud to announce a new platform for optical scanning, the LC Series. This platform accommodates a range of mid size mirrors, typically from 10 to 30 mm facet size. It integrates both robust metal mount points for the scanner body as well as mounts for the integrated driver PCB. This is fully compatible with Waterloo’s new high stability driver technology, and is now ready advance your latest optics product.

An Unprecedented Level of Speed Stability

Waterloo has developed a new class of optical scanner drivers that deliver excellent speed stability. A constant rotational speed is critical for many applications, and more difficult to obtain at lower rotational speeds. In partnership with one of our customers, we have met their stringent requirements, showing speed stability approaching 0.001% at 50 RPM. This parameter is defined as the standard deviation of the rotational period divided by the average rotational period. 0.001% deviation means that the optic only rotates 13 arc seconds faster or slower than its average, enabling precise LiDAR, medical, and scientific applications to succeed.

A Solid Solution for Large Mirror Scanning

Announcing the FE Series scanning platform! We have designed a large, robust drive train able to spin medium and large optics with an excellent level of precision. This this new base model is adaptable to a range of custom optics and and deliver speeds from 50 to 20,000 RPM. We have integrated low cogging motor components and high quality angular contact bearings to deliver precision operation for years to come. Contact us to learn more!

High Speed Optical Scanner Prototypes are Out

Waterloo Optics high speed optical scanner prototypes are now up and running. These initial prototypes demonstrate the fundamentals of performance: the low cost manufacturing, the lifetime and reliability of the system, the performance of the aerodynamic air bearings, and the motor and power. As the testing continues, we will be delivering evaluation units to our first customers, and we would love to speak to you to see how we can make your new optical system stand out.

It’s Alive! A New Day in High Speed Scanning

a plot of test data for an air bearing polygon scanner

Waterloo Optics had demonstrated its high speed optical scanning technology. This foundational technology enables a new class of products for Automotive, Medical, and Industrial customers. Makers of LiDAR, Optical Sorting Equipment, 3D imaging, medical imaging, etc. will now be able to economically bring their products to the next level.

The plot shows the power consumed as a function of speed. The team ran these tests up to 26,000 rotations per minute. An optical scanner from Waterloo Optics in your application can enable a new level of performance. For example, an optical system system based on this technology running at 25,000 RPM, using a 10 sided polygon mirror can scan light across a field of view 250,000 times a second. If used in a LiDAR system that uses 10 channels, you now have 2.5 Million lines scanned EACH SECOND. We’ve helped leading companies in a range of industries reach new levels of performance. Ask us how.

This technology is based on bearings that have zero mechanical contact. Known as air bearings, our approach does not require any external supply of compressed air. There is no grease or oil that could foul your optics. No grease or oil that can migrate over time and lead to bearing failure. This approach is known as an aerostatic bearing. The motion of the components themselves create a layer of air that serves as a stiff, compressed barrier between a rotating rotor and the stator.

Contact us now to see how your upcoming system can stand out from the competition by working with The Waterloo Optics Company.

Announcing Waterloo’s New High Speed Optical Scanner Platform

An air bearing polygon scanner known as the WA series
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We are launching a new high speed polygon scanner platform and will be delivering first production units to our launch customers soon. This platform allows for a full range of options depending on your needs:

  • A polygon rotating optic, or a monogon
  • Speeds up to 50,000 RPM
  • A full optical encoder output, Index signal output, or no position output signal.
  • A system open to the environment, or sealed with an optical window (for noise and dust considerations)
  • Polygons with 4 sides up to more than 16 sides
  • Regular polygons as well as irregular polygon mirror configurations
  • Mirror height is flexible also

Learn more at our product page.

Contact us to learn more and to place your order now.

Waterloo Optics Launches: A New Era in Precision Optical Manufacturing

A view of Waterloo Optics' home town, Austin Texas

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of Waterloo Optics! Combining decades of expertise in precision optical manufacturing, global supply chain management, and scientific instrument research and development, we are ready to serve you.

Located in the heart of Texas, Waterloo Optics is poised for exciting innovations and growth. With our key launch customers, we look forward to a bright future in the optical industry.