Key Photonics » Pockels Cells | Q-Switches | Electro-Optic Modulators

LOW VOLTAGE LIGHT MODULATORS – 3079 SERIES

keyphuser — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:08:18 +0000

Series 3079 Low Voltage modulators are Pockels effect devices that operate in the transverse field mode. This well characterized and proven design is utilized as an extra-cavity intensity modulator. The Series 3079 is widely used in research and industrial applications and is modestly priced in comparison to competitive devices. The high deuteration level KD*P (KD2PO4) crystals are mounted in a sealed housing available with or without index matching fluid. The EOM-3079 incorporates an outer metal housing which provides R.F. shielding and great mounting rigidity. The design features electrically floating, center fed crystals for low parasitic capacitance and maximum frequency response, replaceable windows, high contrast ratio, and integrally mounted accessories, such as wave plates, filters and polarizers.

3079 Modulators are RoHS and CE compliant.

3079 SERIES LOW VOLTAGE LIGHT MODULATORS DATA SHEET (PDF)

BBO POCKELS CELL Q-SWITCHES – 1150 SERIES

keyphuser — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:56:21 +0000

Wide Spectral Range 250 nm to 1100 nm

High Extinction Ratio

Negligible Piezoelectric Response

High Damage Threshold

High Average Power Capability

Single & Double Crystal Configurations

BBO (Beta Barium Borate) is noted for its excellent optical quality and low strain birefringence. This
results in high extinction ratios and low wavefront distortion. Low absorption provides excellent
transmission efficiency in the UV and near IR. Qswitches fabricated from BBO can be operated at
high repetition rates and high average power.
Operation of BBO modulators and Q-switches from single shot to repetition rates of more than 50 kHz
is possible with negligible piezoelectric response.
Series 1150 devices are compatible with FastPulse’s Laser Pulse Gating Systems. They are
used in regenerative laser amplifiers for seeding and gating, Laser Pulse Chopping and Polarization
Rotation applications. One advantage of BBO devices is that they do not induce significant
piezoelectric ringing on the transmitted laser beam.
BBO has a useful optical wavelength range from 250 nm to 2100 nm. Transmittance, in the 350 to
1100 nm range, with “V” type narrow band, high efficiency Anti-Reflection coated windows is
approximately 98.5%.
Typical intrinsic extinction ratios of single crystal BBO devices are greater than 1000:1 (>30 db)
measured at 633 nm. Single pass wavefront distortion is <1/8 wave at 633 nm. Thermal
stability is excellent over a broad temperature range. BBO crystals are slightly hygroscopic and in
many applications must be enclosed in a sealed housing. In a dry, appropriately clean, dust-free,
enclosure, all devices within the series can be used without protective windows.
The damage threshold of BBO is of the same order as deuterated KD*P and RTP, approximately 850
MW/cm2 for a 10 nanoseconds wide Q-switched pulse at 1064 nm. In gating applications with
laser pulses <100 picoseconds, the damage threshold is in the 10 GW/cm2 range.
Driving voltages required for BBO crystals to attain 1/4 or ½ wave retardation can be significantly
higher than for KD*P, Lithium Niobate and RTP crystal devices. Reduced voltage operation is
attained by use of a transverse field configuration where required drive voltage becomes a function
of crystal dimensions: the ratio of width between electrodes to overall crystal length.
The 1150 Series has an industry standard 35 mm diameter, convenient for optical mounts. The
physical size is identical with FastPulse’s Series Q1059P KD*P and 1147 RTP devices and may
easily replace them in many of the company’s E-O systems. Series 1150 devices are being used in
the company’s Models 5046, 5057 and 5100 Series Laser Pulse Extraction/ Chopping Systems,
as well as the 5048, 5056, and 5060 Q-switching Systems and 8025S HV Generator. All of these
drivers provide pulsed high voltages with zero DC voltage applied to the crystal.

RTP ELECTRO-OPTIC MODULATORS AND Q-SWITCHES – 1147 SERIES

keyphuser — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:40:23 +0000

No Piezoelectric Ringing

High Damage Threshold

High Extinction Ratio

Low Insertion Loss

Non-Hygroscopic

Thermally Compensated

RTP (rubidium titanyl phosphate – RbTiOPO4), used in the company’s 1147 Series Pockels cells,
is a very desirable crystal material for electrooptic modulators and Q-switches. It combines
several features of KD*P and Lithium Niobate and has one major advantage over both: RTP exhibits
virtually no piezo-electric effect with electrical signals between DC and 100 kHz. There is no
ringing superimposed on the transmitted optical beam passing through the crystal. Modulators
and Q-switches made with RTP can be utilized with high power lasers operating at high repetition rates.
Freedom from piezoelectric ringing enables the use of RTP devices in high repetition rate mode
locked laser pulse extraction, laser pulse slicing, chopping and gating systems as well as in Qswitching
applications. Tests conducted at up to 100 kHz reveal no ringing in the optical waveform.
RTP has a useful optical wavelength range from 350 nm to 4300 nm. Transmittance, in the 400
to 1100 nm range, with hard, “V” type high efficiency Anti-Reflection coatings is 98.5%.
Standard AR wavelengths, at the present time, are 1064 nm and 700-900 nm. A-R coatings for other wavelengths are available.
Typical extinction ratios of RTP devices are greater than 200:1 (>20 db) measured at 633
nm. Wavefront distortion is <1/8 Wave at 633 nm. Thermal stability is excellent over a broad
temperature range. The electro-optic coefficient for RTP is temperature insensitive from about 10
0C to more than 50 0C. Because RTP crystals are not hygroscopic, in an appropriately clean, dustfree,
enclosure, all devices within the series can be used without protective windows.

The damage threshold of RTP is of the same order as deuterated KD*P, approximately 850 MW/cm2
for a 10 nanoseconds wide Q-switched pulse at 1064 nm. In gating applications with laser pulses
<100 picoseconds, the damage threshold is in the 10 GW/cm2 range.
Operating voltages for the 1147 Series are lower than those experienced for KD*P and BBO in the
same aperture sizes. A typical device (Model 1147-6-1064) with a 5.5 mm clear aperture and
AR coatings for 1064 nm has a half wave retardation voltage of 2400 Volts. Capacitance is
also low: for the Series 1147, it is about 5 picofarads. RTP has a high (>1011 Ohms)
resistivity and does not exhibit “gray track” laser damage.
The 1147 Series has an industry standard 35 mm diameter, convenient for optical mounts. The size
is compatible with the company’s Series 1059 KD*P devices and may be easily replace them in
many of the company’s E-O systems.
Series 1147 devices are being used in the FastPulse Technology’s Models 5046E, 5046SC,
and 5057 Laser Pulse Extraction / Chopping Systems, as well as the 5048, 5056, and 5060
Q-switching Systems and 8025S HV Generator.

1147 SERIES RTP ELECTRO-OPTIC MODULATORS AND Q-SWITCHES DATA SHEET (PDF)

POCKELS CELL ELECTRO-OPTIC Q-SWITCHES – 1145 SERIES

keyphuser — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:01:19 +0000

Series 1145 Q-switches are miniature electro-optic devices (Pockels cells) intended for use with the latest compact size lasers. They are useful for Q-switching, cavity dumping and laser pulse extraction in regenerative amplifiers. Other applications include polarization rotation, laser beam chopping,slicing and pulse picking. They accommodate the most demanding high peak power laser applications. All models within the series utilize a rugged internal crystal support and hermetic sealing system. The devices incorporate highest quality crystals, fused quartz windows and high damage threshold antireflection coatings.

1145 SERIES POCKELS CELL ELECTRO-OPTIC Q-SWITCHES DATA SHEET (PDF)

PICOSECOND POCKELS CELLS – MODELS 1111 / 1112

keyphuser — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:41:21 +0000

Lasermetrics Models 1111 and 1112 are the fastest switching Pockels Cell Electro-Optic
Modulators currently available. The Model 1111, a single crystal device and the 1112, a dual
crystal model have demonstrated rise times of 40 picoseconds and 85 picoseconds
respectively. They attain, within a few percent, the maximum theoretical speed possible for
devices of their physical clear aperture.

The Model 1112 operates at one half the voltage required by the single crystal Model 1111 by using two crystals optically in series and electrically in parallel. Both devices are configured to present a 50 Ohm impedance to
the electrical driving pulse.
These Pockels Cells are made from carefully screened KD*P crystals with >98.5%
deuteration, having a computer optimized cylindrical ring electrode geometry. The design
minimizes drive voltage and switching speed and optimizes optical performance. Crystals are
mounted in a rugged aluminum housing sealed with fused quartz windows. The design permits
use of index matching fluid to minimize reflections from internal optical surfaces. This
feature, in combination with high efficiency, multilayer antireflection coatings on the
protective window surfaces, can provide a transmission of efficiency as high as 98%.

The 1111 and 1112 were designed for use as fast shutters for pulse chopping and isolation, and in
modelocked pulse selection systems where only a single picosecond or femtosecond pulse must be
gated from the pulse train. Total optical path length of the 1111 is 15 mm and that of the 1112 is 22 mm,
which minimizes temporal dispersion. The devices find use in many other laser system applications
requiring the ultimate in switching speed. This series is intended for use with pulsed voltages only since the
equivalent electrical transmission line circuit presents a 50 Ohm impedance load to the driving voltage
source.

MODELS 1111 / 1112 PICOSECOND POCKELS CELLS DATA SHEET (PDF)

ELECTRO-OPTIC Q-SWITCHES -1059 SERIES

keyphuser — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:26:36 +0000

Lasermetrics 1059 E-O Modulator/Q-switches are electro-optic devices that are used in many laser
systems world-wide. The 1059 Series originated in 1970 and have been continuously upgraded and
improved. They will accommodate the most demanding high peak power laser applications. All
models within the series utilize an enhanced internal crystal support and superior sealing system. The
devices incorporate highest quality crystals, fused quartz windows and high damage threshold
antireflection coatings.
E-O performance of the 1059 Series is based on highly deuterated (98+%D)-KDP (KD*P) crystals,
selected for the absence of strain and stria, lowest residual birefringence and wavefront distortion. A
cylindrical ring electrode-crystal configuration produces the most uniform retardation field
currently available. Crystals are mounted in durable and mechanically stable thermoplastic housings.
Stainless steel aperture plates are used in all models. Windows are bubble and strain-free fused
quartz with high efficiency antireflection coatings.

Sol Gel antireflection coatings can be applied to the crystal for highest peak and average power
applications. Sol Gel coatings are extremely efficient, having reflectance losses of about 0.05%.
Damage threshold for Sol Gel coatings is at least as high as that of the KD*P crystal material
While Sol Gel crystal coatings have largely replaced Index Matching Fluid (IMF) for the visible through
Near IR, these coatings are not efficient in the UV range below 400 nm. For UV applications, when
IMF is required to minimize reflection losses at the window-crystal interfaces, we recommend our
Series 1040 and Model 1058 Pockels cells.

A variety of antireflection coatings options are available. A key feature of the 1059 Series is the
user’s ability to adjust the alignment of the fused quartz windows. This may be done while the
device is in position in the laser optical train.
Simple hex wrench adjustments can tilt each window to be precisely on or off-axis by as much
as 2 degrees. The Q1059P model can be specified with wedged or parallel window surfaces and with
the crystal cut at a desired off-axis or wedge angle.
In very fast pulse gating applications, with laser pulses widths less than 100 picoseconds, the 1059
Series has a nominal damage threshold of 20 Gigawatts/cm2. In Q-switching the devices will
tolerate in excess of 850 Megawatts/cm2 at less than 10 nanoseconds pulse width.
Lasermetrics Q-switch drivers 5055, 5056, 5060, and Laser Extraction/Chopping Systems 5046,
5057 and 8025RS can be used with all 1059 models within the series.
Q1059P Series devices are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one year.

1059 SERIES ELECTRO-OPTIC Q-SWITCHES DATA SHEET (PDF)

ELECTRO-OPTIC Q-SWITCH – 1058 SERIES

keyphuser — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:08:17 +0000

Lasermetrics 1058 Q-switches are large aperture
electro-optic devices that are used in high energy
lasers having beam diameters up to 20 mm
diameter. The 1058 Series was used in the
earliest Ruby and Nd:YAG medical lasers and the
latest, improved versions are presently used in
several medical laser systems marketed
throughout the world. They will reliably
accommodate the most demanding high peak
power laser applications.

All models within the series utilize an enhanced internal crystal support and superior sealing system. The devices
incorporate highest quality crystals, fused quartz windows and high damage threshold
antireflection coatings.
1058 Series E-O performance is based on highly deuterated (98+%)D-KDP (KD*P)
crystals, selected for the absence of strain and stria, lowest residual birefringence and wavefront
distortion. A cylindrical ring electrode-crystal configuration produces the most uniform
retardation field currently available. Crystals are mounted in durable and mechanically stable
aluminum housings. . Stainless steel aperture plates are used in all models. Windows are
bubble and strain-free fused quartz with high efficiency antireflection coatings.
Sol Gel antireflection coatings can be applied to the crystal for highest peak and average power
applications in the wavelength range of 650 nm to 1100 nm. Sol Gel coatings are extremely
efficient, having reflectance losses of .0.05%.

Damage threshold for Sol Gel coatings is at least as high as that of the KD*P crystal material.
For many low repetition rate applications index matching fluid is employed in the hermetically
sealed, vacuum tested housing to minimize reflection losses at the window-crystal interfaces.
A variety of antireflection coatings and index matching fluid options are available. A key
feature of the 1058 Series is the user’s ability to adjust the alignment of the fused quartz
windows. This may be done while the device is in position in the laser optical train. Simple hex
wrench adjustments can tilt each window to be precisely on or off-axis by as much as 2 degrees.
All models can be specified with wedged or parallel window surfaces and with the crystal cut
at a desired off-axis or wedge angle.
In fast pulse gating applications, with laser pulses less than 100 picoseconds width, the 1058
Series has a damage threshold of greater or equal to 20 Gigawatts/cm2. In Q-switching the devices will
tolerate in excess of 850 Megawatts/cm2 at less than 20 nanoseconds pulse width.
Lasermetrics Q-switch drivers 5048, 5055SC, 5056, 8006; 8025S pulse choppers; 5046E and
5046SC pulse extractors, can be used with all 1058 models within the series. The 1058
models have been used with the 8403 HV Amplifiers in polarization and circular dichroism
studies.

POCKELS CELL: ELECTRO-OPTIC LIGHT MODULATORS – 1040 SERIES

keyphuser — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:59:38 +0000

1040 Series Pockels cell light modulators are designed for high speed laser shutter and pulse chopper applications external or internal to the laser cavity. They are also utilized as Q-Switches, cavity dumpers and polarization rotators. The basic mechanical design is

configured to accept a variety of connection devices to meet most system requirements.

1040 SERIES POCKELS CELL ELECTRO-OPTIC LIGHT MODULATORS DATA SHEET (PDF)