Laser Divergence Calculator - divergence matters: Beam behavior over distance

The beam divergence describes the widening of the beam over the distance. It is defined in milli-radiant (mrad), which usually describes a part of the circumcircle.

Generally spoken, it is best to have a divergence as small as possible.

The beam divergence is in direct relation to the beam size at aperture: By increasing the beam size at the aperture it is possible to reduce the divergence - and vice versa. This is possible to a certain extent, depending on the technology.

To see the importance of the beam divergence, please make some example calculations with our divergence calculator - you can clearly see the importance if the distance is increased:

Please fill in all values, at least for Laser 1

Distance [m]:
Laser 1:	Laser 2:
Power [mW]:	Power [mW]:
Divergence [mrad]:	Divergence [mrad]:
Diameter at aperture [mm]:	Diameter at aperture [mm]:

Thousands separator: ,
Decimal separator: .

Value definition:	Laser 1:	Laser 2:
Beam diametre after m:	mm	mm
Area of laser point after m:	mm2	mm2
Laser intensity after m:	mW/mm2	mW/mm2

More information on divergence

• Glossary - Divergence
• Half Angle Divergence mislead - difference between half angle and full angle
• Show Laser Guide - Beam Specifications