OUTPUT COUPLERS
Output couplers, or front mirrors, utilize ZnSe, primarily due to its low absorption at 10.6 microns. Their purpose is to reflect a percentage of the laser beam back into the resonator for continuous amplification while transmitting energy through the delivery system to the workpiece. Partially reflective coatings are used on the inside to reflect energy back into the resonator while the outside surface is AR coated to maximize transmission out.