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.
