TOPTICA introduced their new frequency comb, showcase next generation fiber lasers, high-power diode lasers at 266 and 633 nm, flexible multi-color laser engines and terahertz sources at LASER World of Photonics 2015 exhibition in Munich.
The high-end laser systems are applicable in quantum optics, biophotonics or materials test & measurement. Wilhelm Kaenders, founder and CEO, invited all visitors: “More than a dozen innovations emphasize our leadership role in this technology”. See below for an overview of the products TOPTICA exhibited at the event.
Frequency Combs – The ultimate reference
The newest frequency comb on the market (TOPTICA’s DFC), provides a uniquely phase-stable output by using CERO-technology (“zero-vCEO”) which means that no active stabilization of the phase is necessary. The DFC’s fundamental emission wavelength of 1560 nm can be converted to any required wavelength in the range of 420 to 2200 nm using wavelength extensions, making it the perfect opticalfrequency reference for other lasers emitting within this range. The DFC complements TOPTICA’s product portfolio enabling them to offer complete frequency-stabilized laser systems, including the frequency comb, wavelength extensions and diode lasers referenced to the comb.
Next generation femtosecond fiber lasers reach new power levels
The FemtoFiber ultra NIR is the first member of TOPTICA’s next generation of ultrafast fiber lasers.
TOPTICA’s next generation FemtoFiber series of ultrafast fiber lasers now provide outstanding pulse parameters and push the boundaries of the current product range. The first of the next generation is the FemtoFiber ultra NIR which has a new system architecture that provides more than 500 mW average power at a central wavelength of 780 nm. The FemtoFiber dichro bioMP now comes at higher powers: more than 500 mW are available at both emission wavelengths of 780 and 1030 nm.
The FemtoFiber pro SCYb is the perfect light source for excitation of red fluorophores in nonlinear microscopy, producing 700 mW at 1030 nm with sub-100 femtosecond pulses at 80 MHz repetition rate. Because it is a completely fiber-based laser, the FemtoFiber pro SCYb is a true turnkey system with hands-off operation and compact dimensions. The FemtoFiber smart FD 6.5 has an attached optical fiber of 6.5 m length and delivers dispersion-limited pulses down to 45 fs at the fiber output, providing the shortest pulses directly where they are needed for applications.
Full flexibility with TOPTICA’s enhanced multi-laser engine
The new iChrome SLE boasts increased flexibility, outstanding reliability and can integrate up to eight individual diode or DPSS laser sources customizable from 405 nm to 640 nm. All integrated lasers are coupled into a single-mode polarization-maintaining (SM/PM) fiber or an optional fiber switch with two SM/PM output fibers. This switch enables fast alternation of all colors between both fibers within less than 10 ms. The flexibility of the system is increased by the capability to exchange individual laser color cartridges without shipping the system back to TOPTICA. This is as easy as changing an ink cartridge in your printer, and upon replacing a laser color cartridge, there will be no need for manual realignment since TOPTICA’s patented COOLAC technology will perform all necessary alignment at the push of a button.
Tunable diode lasers with new wavelengths and digital control
Perfect for applications like quantum dots, microcavities and component testing, TOPTICA’s unique CTL is now available with a new wavelength tuning range around 1500 nm. Highest convenience and easy access to all laser parameters is guaranteed with its digital controller DLC pro and its ability to scan its wavelength completely mode-hop-free from 1460 nm to 1570 nm (110 nm!).
The DLC pro also operates TOPTICA’s amplifier system TA pro and frequency-converted diode laser system DLC TA-SHG pro with an integrated automated alignment procedure. Enabled by the digital technology of the driver, an algorithm optimizes the coupling into the amplifier SHG-unit output fiber automatically, which helps the user increase their experiment’s up-time drastically, and use their lab-time more efficiently.
2x 90 dB: Terahertz world record
Compact laser sources in combination with latest-generation terahertz antennas propel terahertz applications out of the lab and into the real world. TOPTICA’s time-domain platform TeraFlash and the cwterahertz spectrometer TeraScan both achieve a peak dynamic range greater than 90 dB – a world record for commercial terahertz systems.
The TeraFlash generates terahertz pulses with a bandwidth of more than 5 THz, which enables layer thickness measurements down to 20 μm. The TeraScan achieves an unprecedented frequency resolution of better than 5 MHz, which is another best-in-class value. The live display at the TOPTICA booth will feature the new digital controller DLC smart – a compact and lightweight driver ready for OEM integration.
High power and reliability at 266 & 633 nm
TOPTICA will also present technology demonstrators at 633 nm and 266 nm, two wavelengths widely used in industrial test & measurement tasks. The purely-cw 266 nm system provides 100 mW output, with low intensity noise and an excellent beam profile (M² < 1.3) while the 633 nm demonstrator offers a single-frequency output greater than 150 mW. The laser achieves the same long-term stability as a HeNe due to a proprietary stabilization scheme, while the high power enables sophisticated measurements in semicon metrology and high-precision interferometry.
About TOPTICA Photonics AG
TOPTICA Photonics AG develops, manufactures, services and distributes technology-leading diode and fiber lasers and laser systems for scientific and industrial applications. Sales and service are offered worldwide through TOPTICA Germany and its subsidiary TOPTICA USA, as well as all through 14 distributors. A key point of the company philosophy is the close cooperation between development and research to meet our customers’ demanding requirements for sophisticated customized system solutions and their subsequent commercialization.