10.6 um Laser Assembly: When to Add It to Your Interferometer

By Zygo | Published: 2026-10-31

Category: How-to Guides

A practical, step-by-step guide to deciding whether a 10.6 um laser assembly upgrade makes sense for your interferometer, including installation planning and common pitfalls.

Quick answer

Add a 10.6 um laser assembly when your interferometer needs a CO2 laser source for mid-infrared optics testing and you can schedule a Zygo field service engineer for installation. Because the laser requires critical alignment and safety setup, plan for a minimum six-hour service window quoted with the assembly.

Why the 10.6 um wavelength changes your setup

Most interferometers ship with a visible or near-infrared source, so moving to 10.6 um is not a drop-in swap. The longer wavelength means different optics, different alignment tolerances, and different safety considerations. That is why the assembly is sold with a required installation by a Zygo field service engineer rather than as a user-installed part.

If your work involves testing infrared optics or materials that are opaque or difficult to measure at shorter wavelengths, the 10.6 um source can be the right tool. If you are only measuring visible-range components, the added complexity and service time are hard to justify.

When to skip the upgrade

Do not add this assembly if your current source already covers your measurement range or if you cannot accommodate the six-hour installation window. Also consider whether your facility has the safety infrastructure for a CO2 laser source; the assembly does not include site preparation, and the catalog does not list supported interferometer models, so confirm compatibility with Zygo before ordering.

Step-by-step: deciding and installing a 10.6 um laser assembly

Confirm your measurement need: Check whether your current interferometer source covers the wavelengths your optics require. If you are working with mid-infrared components that need a CO2 laser source, proceed; if not, stop here. Write down the specific parts or coatings you need to measure at 10.6 um before committing.
Verify interferometer compatibility: Contact Zygo with your interferometer model and current configuration to confirm the 10.6 um Laser Assembly is supported. The catalog does not list compatible models, so this is a required check. Get written confirmation of compatibility before placing an order.
Plan for the field service visit: The assembly requires installation by a Zygo field service engineer, and a minimum of six hours will be quoted with the laser. Schedule the visit during a window when the interferometer can be offline. Block more than six hours in your schedule to allow for setup and verification.
Prepare the site for safety and alignment: Because the installation involves critical alignment and safety, clear the area around the interferometer and ensure your lab meets any laser safety requirements Zygo specifies. Do not attempt to pre-align or power the assembly yourself. Ask Zygo for a pre-install checklist so nothing delays the engineer on arrival.
Complete post-install verification: After the engineer finishes, run a measurement on a known sample to confirm the 10.6 um source is aligned and performing as expected. Record the results for your service log. Keep the verification record with your service contract paperwork.

Product facts

10.6 um Laser Assembly: The 10.6 um Laser Assembly requires installation by a Zygo field service engineer due to critical alignment and safety, with a minimum six-hour service window quoted with the laser. You cannot treat this as a self-installed accessory; budget for the service visit and downtime before you buy.
10.6 um Laser Assembly