Can the OPO operate CW (Continuous Wave) or at high repetition rates?

All our OPO systems incorporate bulk crystals that require high pump intensities to operate. This intensity is achieved using pulsed lasers. The lasers which are most suitable as a pump source are Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers with a pulse length in the range of 4 – 10 ns. Both flashlamp pumped and high repetition rate diode pumped Nd:YAG lasers can be used.

I think that I need a CW source – can I use your products?

Depending on the application. In some applications CW or very high repetition rates are a must, such as communications or fast scanning. However, in cases such as spectrophotometry, pulsed systems may have significant advantages in detecting weak signal and significantly improving the Signal/Noise ratio. Please contact us to discuss your application’s requirements and we will be happy to assist you in making a decision.

Do you need a seeded laser to pump an OPO?

The only reason to use a seeded laser is to pump a narrow line OPO. If your application requires an OPO with a linewidth of less than a few cm-1, the laser will have to be seeded, or at least incorporate a line narrowing element (e.g etalon) in its cavity. For applications that don’t require such narrow linewidth, a seeded laser does not offer any advantage. On the contrary – it is more expensive, more complex, larger, and thus less user-friendly. Typically, research in biology and working with materials in liquid or solid phase do not require systems with a seeded laser.

What is the maximum pulse repetition rate?

Currently we are using Q-Switched, flashlamp and diode pumped Nd:YAG lasers to pump the OPOs, with repetition rates up to 100 Hz.

What is the pulse length? Can I control the pulse length?

The pulse length depends primarily on the design of the pump lasers. The typical pulse length is in the range of 4 – 10 ns. This cannot be controlled by the user.

How small can you focus the beam?

The spot size of a focused beam is a product of the beam divergence and the focal length of the focusing lens. The beam divergence of the OPO is different for each model and in some cases it is a function of the output wavelength. Using the proper optics, focused beam diameters of less than 100 micrometers are achievable for some models. Please contact us to discuss your application’s requirements and we will be happy to assist you in choosing the proper optics.

What is the beam diameter?

The beam diameter varies: it is about 6 mm for the VIBRANT and 2.5 mm for the Opolette. The beam is diverging and the divergence angle depends on the model and the operation wavelength. Some of this divergence can be corrected with a single lens. The beam can be projected with an imaging lens to the target. By selecting the proper lens you can control its beam diameter on your target.

Can one access the laser fundamental and harmonic wavelengths?

Yes, there is more than one way to access these wavelengths. Please specify your requirements when placing an order.

Can the pulse repetition rate be controlled?

The laser flashlamp or diodes are running at a constant rep rate (up to 100 Hz), however the Q-Switch can be controlled. The constant rep rate can be divided by any whole number from 1 to the maximum constant rep rate. For example, if the constant rep rate is 10 Hz, the Q-switch can be changed to 2 Hz by selecting a divider of 5. The rep rate can be controlled manually or via computer.

Can the system be triggered externally?

Yes. Both the flashlamp/diode and/or the Q-Switch can be triggered externally. The flashlamp or diode based system should be operated at the repetition rate it is designed for in order to maintain the beam quality. The delay between the lamp and the Q-switch firing can be controlled in order to optimize energy.

Can the system be tuned from my computer?

Yes, we provide a control program with every system that enables tuning from the customer’s computer via USB. The software includes an executable program and a system specific INI file. We can also provide a software development kit (Windows DLL) for customers who would like to integrate the tuning control with their control or data acquisition software.

Can the beam be coupled into a fiber?

Yes, but carefully. The intensities are high and may exceed the fiber's damage threshold. We offer a standard fiber delivery kit and we will be happy to advise you if you prefer to make your own.

1. Wavelength Range
OPOTEK offers wide tunability, with systems that can cover the UV, Visible, and the IR range. See the information listed in our products for specific tuning ranges.

2. Energy per pulse
Our systems offer peak power from 100µJ to over 100mJ, corresponding to average power of 1mW – 1W, depending on configuration and rep rate.

3. Spectral Linewidth
The spectral linewidth of our standard systems are 4cm-1 to 7cm-1. This resolution is sufficiently narrow for many experiments in the liquid and solid phase, making it ideal for biological/medical interactions, but may be too broad for gas phase spectroscopy. Depending on the system configuration, more output energy can be obtained at the expense of broader linewidth. We also offer custom systems with even narrower linewidth.

4. Size
A smaller system is advantageous, not only for saving space, but to increase stability, and therefore reliability. Because of our patented OPO design, we are able to offer the most compact commercially available systems of their kind.

5. After sale service
We provide warranty service on all of our products, and since our inception in 1993, we have maintained a solid reputation of customer support. Customer references are available upon request.