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)
