Single-unit femtosecond laser system combining millijoule pulse energies and high average power

31 May 2012

PHAROS is a single-unit integrated femtosecond laser system combining millijoule pulse energies and high average power. PHAROS features mechanical and optical design dedicated for industrial applications of precise material processing. Markets leading compact size, integrated thermal stabilization system, sealed design allow simple PHAROS integration into machining workstations. Use of a solid state laser diodes for pumping of Yb medium significantly reduce maintenance costs and provide long laser lifetime. Most of PHAROS output parameters can be easily set via control pad or PC tuning the laser for particular application in seconds. Tunability of laser output parameters allows PHAROS system to cover applications normally requiring different class of lasers. Tunable parameters include: pulse duration (190 fs – 10 ps), repetition rate (1 kHz to 1 MHz), pulse energy (up to 1.5 mJ) and average power (up to 15 W). Its deliverable power is abundant for a most of material processing applications at high machining speeds. Built in pulse picker allows convenient control of laser output in pulse-on-demand and burst modes. It comes along with the extensive external control interface dedicated for easy laser integration into larger setups and machining workstations.

PHAROS compact and robust optomechanical design includes easy to replace modules (oscillator, amplifier and stretcher/ compressor) with temperature stabilized and sealed housings ensuring stable laser operation within varying environments. Those features being of critical importance for OEM and industrial users. PHAROS is equipped with an extensive software package, which ensures its smooth hands-free operation as well as allows fast and easy integration into various processing devices.

Features

• Pulse duration <190 fs - 10 ps
• Pulse energy up to 1.5 mJ
• Average power up to 15 W
• Flexibility in repetition rate: single-pulse to 200 kHz (extendable to 1 MHz)
• Broad range of wavelength conversion options (harmonic generators, OPA, NOPA, continuum generators)
• Rugged mechanical design with sealed modules replaceable on field

Applications

• Micromachining
• Micro- and nano-structuring
• Nonlinear optics
• Time-resolved spectroscopy
• Biomedical applications

Operation

PHAROS is built upon conventional chirped pulse amplification technique, employing the seed oscillator, regenerative amplifier and pulse stretcher/compressor modules. Kerr lens mode-locked oscillator delivers >700 mW output with sub-80 fs pulse duration. Regenerative amplifier is based on Yb:KGW lasing medium. Both oscillator and amplifier are non-collinearly pumped by one or two (respectively 4 W or 6-15 W PHAROS) Light Conversion proprietary design high brightness, solid state laser diode based pump modules. Low loss BBO Pockels cells support operation of amplifier and pulse picker at repetition rates up to 200 kHz (extendable to 1 MHz). The stretcher/compressor module is based on single transmission grating exhibiting high efficiency and excellent power handling capability. Operating parameters are adjustable from the remote control module or external PC connected via USB interface.

Optional Harmonic Generators
PHAROS laser can be equipped with optional wavelength converters providing high power harmonics radiation at 515 nm, 343 nm and 257 nm wavelengths. Harmonic generators are designed to be used in industrial applications where single output wavelength is desired. Modules are mounted directly on the output of the laser and integrated into the system. Automatic harmonics modules providing computer selectable outputs of 1030 nm, 515 nm, 343 nm or 257 nm radiations are available for more demanding applications.

The principal of OEM harmonic generators operation is based on collinear generation of higher laser radiation harmonics in angle phasematched nonlinear crystals. The optical layout of OEM harmonic generator also includes beam reduction and collimation optics that ensures highest harmonics conversion efficiencies. In a standard setup particular harmonic is roduced in a single OEM harmonic generator module, different module is required for different order harmonics generation. Automatic harmonic modules are also available allowing selection of fundamental, second, third or fourth harmonic output by a control software. All the accessible harmonics exiting OEM harmonic generators are separated from the pump radiation by dichroic mirrors.

For futher information please visit www.lightcon.com