Pulse energy of our Q-switched lasers can be conveniently lowered from maximum value by reducing current of pump diode. When less pump light is stored in lasing media, laser emits pulses with lower energy.
Above described method of pulse energy attenuation has its pros and cons. It is cost-effective, simple to implement, however, pulse energy change affects also other important laser beam parameters like pulse-to-pulse stability, beam divergence, pulse duration. For example, pulse-to-pulse energy stability of harmonics wavelengths might be more than 2 times worse at lower than nominal fundamental pulse energy.
AT series attenuators allows to attenuate laser pulse energy without changes in beam parameters.
Attenuator consist of polarizer and waveplate. By changing of input beam polarization, transmission of beam can be changed for maximum to minimum value. Minimum transmission value depends on input beam polarization state and polarizer extinction ratio and typically is approx. 1 %.
Maximum possible transmission is determined by reflection and absorption losses of optical components.
Several attenuators can be used in series if larger dynamic range is required.
Attenuator transmission can be controlled trough common with laser Ethernet interface. API is provided for integration into user software.
Specifications 1)
| Model |
Attenuators |
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|
AT1 |
AT2 |
AT3 |
AT4 |
AT5 |
|
| Design wavelength |
1064 nm |
532 nm |
355 nm |
266 nm |
213 nm |
| Typical max transmission 2) |
98% |
95% |
90% |
75% |
65% |
| Typical min transmission 2) |
1% |
0.5% |
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| Input polarization |
linear |
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| Output polarization 3) |
linear, horizontal |
linear, rotating |
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| Resolution |
<0.15 % |
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| Accuracy |
±0.5 % |
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| Clear aperture |
6 mm |
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| Stepper motor |
12800 steps /360 deg, 4-phase, 1A |
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| Dimensions ( W×L×H) |
54 × 43 × 77 mm3 |
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| Weight |
<0.4 kg |
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- Due to continuous improvements all specifications are subject to change. The parameters marked typical are not specifications. They are indications of typical performance and will vary with each unit we manufacture.
- Depends on polarization state of laser. Depolarization of laser beam might affect values provided here.
- For some models polarization plane depends on angular position of polarizer.
Drawings
Click here to download dimensional drawing.