Newsletter #23.qxp - Newport Corporation

N° 23 — Fall 2006GTS SeriesHigh Precision Linear StagesProvide high sensitivity and outstandingtrajectory accuracy Page 4CYM-2RCylindrical Lens MountsNew family of cylindrical mounts enablesroll adjustment of the power axis Page 71931-C/2931-CHigh-Performance OpticalPower MetersIdeal for low-power light sourcemeasurements Page 6Other ArticlesNew Kit For Variable Attenuationof Laser Power ..........................2XPS: Newport’s XPS BrushlessMotor Initialization AlgorithmWins a Corporate InnovationAward........................................4Oriel LED Sources: Compactand economical alternatives tolamp based sources ..................5UV Beam Viewer ....................6Newport Expands StandardCatalog Filter Offering ..............7Helios: Transient AbsorptionSpectroscopy System ................9Opal ® BB: High-PowerSynchronously Pumped OPO......9Matisse: Ti:SapphireRing Lasers ..............................10Tristar: High Repetition Rate,Intra-Cavity Tripled UV Laser....10Explorer ScientificUV LaserSPECIAL OFFERCompact, reliable, solid-state laser perfect forscientific research applications Page 8Save 10% plus guaranteedshipment by 12/31/06Picarro o LaserBusiness AcquisitionLearn more about theacquisition...See our website for more info.WEB newport.comMillennia ® ProTrade-Up ProgramUpgrade to a new MillenniaPro and save when you tradein an old laserPage 11

Page 2 Fall 2006Application NoteNew Kit For Variable VAttenuation Of Laser PowerNewport’s Technology and Applications Center hasdeveloped a cost effective solution for the continuousattenuation of laser output power. The solution is nowavailable for sale as a kit and is described in detail in anapplication note available for download atwww.newport.com/AppsNote26The attenuator kit described is based on a half waveplate and polarizer. It is suitable for attenuation of alinearly polarized laser beam with a wavelength in the690–1040 nm range and average power up to 100 watts.The schematic of the device is shown in Fig.1.LaserPrinciple of Operation1/2 Wave Plate PolarizerBeamStopFigure 1: Schematic of variable attenuator for lasers.SPI = cos 2 (2φ) (2)I owhere ø is the azimuth of the 1/2 wave-plate. Full rangeof attenuations from minimum to maximum is achievedby 1/2 wave-plate rotation from 0° to 45°.Which Components do I Use?The choice of optical components is defined by thebandwidth and the power of the laser to be controlled.For a 1/2 wave-plate the Newport model 10RP52-2 isrecommended. This achromatic zero-order wave-plateconsists of two different birefringent crystals: crystallinequartz and magnesium fluoride (MgF 2 ), in an air-spaceddesign for high power. Compared to zero-order quartzwave-plates, achromatic quartz MgF 2 wave-plates offerexcellent retardation accuracy over broad wavelengthranges. Achromatic quartz MgF 2 wave-plates are lessexpensive than achromatic polymer film wave-plates andalso feature higher damage thresholds. Fig. 2 shows the10RP52-2 half wave-plate mounted in a 25.4 mm housingto allow easy mounting in any of our manual rotationstages, such as the RM-25 or the RSP-1T.The principle of operation is based on Malus’ Law. Theintensity I of the polarized light that passes through thepolarizer is given by where I 0 is the input intensity, and θis the angle between the beam’s initial direction ofpolarization and the axis of the polarizer. Rotation of a1/2 wave-plate mounted to a rotational stage allowscontinuous rotation of the beam’s polarization direction.When combined with a polarizer, it provides variableattenuation according to (1).I = cos 2 ( θ ) (1)I owhere I 0 is the input intensity, and θ is the anglebetween the beam’s initial direction of polarization andthe axis of the polarizer. Rotation of a 1/2 wave-platemounted to a rotational stage allows continuousrotation of the beam’s polarization direction. Whencombined with a polarizer, it provides variableattenuation according to (1).Rotation of the 1/2 wave plate by ø degrees leads to 2ødegrees of polarization rotation. Intensity at the outputof the attenuator is then given by (2)Figure 2: Newport 1/2 Wave-plate, model 10RP52-2. The line on the mount defines theazimuth of the wave-plate. If aligned at 45° relative to the input polarization direction,the output beam polarization is rotated by 90°.For a polarizer, the Newport model 10GL08AR.16 Glan-Laser Calcite Polarizer (Fig. 3b) is recommended. Itconsists of two calcite cubes with the optical axisoriented parallel to each other (Fig. 3a) and is designedfor demanding applications requiring extremepolarization purity and high resistance to laser damage.www.newport.com

Fall 2006 Page 3PSetup and AlignmentPSS(3a)(3b)Figure 4 shows an experimental setup for output powercontrol of a Spectra-Physics Mai Tai ® Ultrafast Oscillator.The two steering mirrors at the output of the laser arerecommended in order to make the alignment as easy aspossible and get the laser output to desired beam height.If more than a 10-20 mm of beam height adjustment isneeded, the Newport BSD-2A beam steering kit is easilyutilized in addition to these two turning mirrors.Reflectance (%)2.01.51.00.5AR.16Broadband NIRAR Coating0°Typical0600 700 800 900 1000 1100Wavelength (nm)Figure 3: Newport 1/2 Wave-plate, model 10RP52-2. The line on the mount defines theazimuth of the wave-plate. If aligned at 45° relative to the input polarization direction,the output beam polarization is rotated by 90°.For more information on the attenuator set up and laserpower considerations, please refer to the ApplicationNote downloadable at: www.newport.com/AppsNote26As a single-source provider of solutions to make, manageand measure light, Newport can also supply powermeters and detectors optimized for your applications.For ultrafast oscillators our 841-PE power meter and 818P-020-12 detector are recommended. If the outputpower of the laser is known, as is the case with theMai Tai Laser, then the attenuated power is equal to thedifference between the laser power and the measuredpower. Total insertion loss of the attenuator, on average,is about 7%.Figure 4: Setup for controlling the output ofthe Spectra-Physics Mai Tai ultrafast oscillator.Beam DumpPL15RSP-1TRM251/2 Wave-Plate10RP52-2Glan-LaserPolarizer10GL08AR.16VPH-2-PSP-2PS-Fwww.newport.com

Page 4 Fall 2006Product SpotlightGTS SeriesHigh Precision Linear StagesSuperior performance in repeatability,accuracy, straightness, flatness,pitch and yaw.Key FeaturesTrajectory accuracy compatiblewith ESP300 and SMC100CCmotion controllersUltra-quiet anti-creep crossedroller bearingsIntegrated linear encoder with50 nm resolutionVery low friction ball screw drive70 mm and 150 mm travelsThe GTS high-precision linear stagesprovide high sensitivity andoutstanding trajectory accuracy in acompact and robust package. Theyare an excellent solution forapplications such as surfacescanning, test and calibration,optical component alignment andattachment, and high-precisionoptical delay lines.XPS Motion ControllerollerNewport's GTS stages are machinedfrom stress-relieved 7075 aluminumensuring long-term strength andstability. The advanced asymmetricbody design with defined flexiblepreload provides consistent resultsover varying temperatures. The T-shape carriage is further optimizedfor different load conditions.To ensure accurate trajectorycontrol, GTS stages use matchedpairs of anti-creep crossed rollerbearings. A high-torque DC motorand a low friction ball screw driveeliminate stick-slip effects andensure ultra-smooth motion with100 nm sensitivity. Precision positionfeedback is provided by an opticalscale with 50 nm resolution. Theoptical scale is mounted in thecenter of the stage to eliminate alldrive-train induced motion errors.The normal centered load capacity is100 N and the max. speed is 50 mm/s.See our website for more info.WEB newport.comNewport’s s XPS Brushless Motor Initialization AlgorithmWins a Corporate Innovation AwarAwardNew algorithm reduces induced oscillations to insignificantamplitude.Newport’s XPS motion controllernow features a new algorithm forthe necessary initializationprocedure of brushless motors.Brushless motors are used in many ofNewport’s advanced linear stages,rotation stages and highperformanceair-bearing systems.The purpose of motor initializationis to define the position of themotor coils to the magnets. Mostbrushless motor initializationprocedures take a long time tocomplete, induce high amplitudeoscillations, or require dedicatedhardware such as expensive Hall-Effect sensors. The new costeffectiveNewport solution reliesonly on the smart and optimal use ofthe existing XPS electronicshardware. The motor coil position isaccurately determined through aseries of imperceptible motions,which significantly reduce theinitialization time.This patent pending invention wasawarded a Corporate InnovationAward during the ConferenceInternationale Francophoned’Automatique, an IEEE event thatgathered researchers in theadvanced domains of motioncontrol, in Bordeaux, France, lastJune. This Award recognizes thenovelty of the algorithm to solve arather challenging issue and theconclusive results of a long andintimate collaboration of Newport’ssubsidiary in France, MICRO-CONTROLE Spectra-Physics S.A, witha leading French electricalengineering laboratory.See our website for more info.WEB newport.comwww.newport.com

Fall 2006 Page 5Oriel LED SourcesCompact and Economical Alternatives to Lamp Based SourcesNew series outperforms traditional CCD-based instrumentsNewport’s new Oriel LED Sourcesprovide either narrow or broadbandradiation via an 8 mm Liquid LightGuide (LLG). These sources areeconomical alternatives to diodelasers and QTH lamp-based systems.A manual shutter with anintegrated filter holder is availableas an option for the end of the LLG.The intensity can be varied and anexternal trigger can be applied tomodulate the source on and off.Additionally, the LEDs have anaverage lifetime in excess of 40,000hours of continuous operation. Weoffer various narrowband modelscovering the 395 nm to 800 nmspectral range, with bandwidths of ~22 nm, and a broadband VIS model.Key Features395 nm to 800 nm with ~ 22 nmbandwidths, or a broadband VISmodelHigh intensity, 0.4 ~ 0.66 W lightguide coupled outputVariable intensity outputExternal triggerSee our website for more info.WEB newport.comwww.newport.com

Page 6 Fall 20061931-C/2931-CHigh-Performance Optical Power MetersNewport’s 1931-C/2931-C OpticalPower Meters are a high performancesolution for applications requiringlow-power light sourcemeasurements. This new series, withits supporting line of detectors,measures power from 100 fW to40 W, and pulses up to 20 kHz.True Root-Mean-Square (rms)measurements provide themost accurate rms value,regardless of the inputwaveform shape. Advancedfeatures include data storageto external USB memory stick,a 250,000 data point storagebuffer, analog and digitalfiltering, programmable samplerates, programmable input andoutput control triggers, and muchmore.Graphical datacapture withZoom function.Key FeaturesMeasurement repetition rates upto 20 kHzPower measurements from100 fW to 40 WSave data directly to externalUSB memory stickFull color 5.6" TFT displayPeak-to-peak and DC sourcemeasurements are displayed in unitsof W, dBm, dB, and A. Simultaneousmeasurements of a variety of lightsources operating at different powerlevels and wavelengths, is possiblewith the dual-channel models.Vertical strip chartwith Min/Maxrange.User selectable display colors:great for using with laser goggles.See our website for more info.WEB newport.comUV Beam ViewerVAn Excellent Solution for Monitoring Laser Beamsglass gives off a soft green glowwhen exposed to UV radiation.Newport’s UV Beam Viewer can beplaced in the path of a laser toobserve beam characteristics such aslaser mode structure, beam shape,and beam alignment. The opticalUnlike conventional ceramic beamviewers, Newport's UV viewer issuitable for high power applications,thanks to its state-of-the-artresistance design. It is alsocleanroom-compatible andtransmissive, resulting in easier beamalignment. It can be combined withNewport’s standard posts to bemounted on a bench or it can beused as a “wand”.See our website for more info.WEB newport.comKey FeaturesGlows green when exposed toUV radiationObserves laser mode structure,beam shape, and beamalignmentSuitable for high powerapplicationsCleanroom compatiblewww.newport.com

Fall 2006 Page 7CYM-2R Cylindrical Lens MountsNew family of cylindrical mounts enables roll adjustment of the power axis.Key FeaturesAbility to rotate a cylindricaloptic about its center±5° rotation range6 arc-sec sensitivityAdaptors for various lens sizesThe CYM-2R can hold and position cylindrical optics as large as 2-inches inheight. What makes this mount unique is its ability to rotate a cylindricaloptic about its center. This feature eliminates unwanted translation duringrotation of the power axis. 0,25 mm pitch adjustment screws provide ±5° rolladjustment range with a sensitivity of 6 arc seconds.See our website for more info.WEB newport.comNewport Expands Standard d Catalog Filter OfferingferingHigh Signal-to-Noise Fluorescence Filters.Newport announces the expansionof our standard catalog filteroffering. We have incorporated ourmost popular filters supplied by ourFranklin, Massachusetts facility intothe Newport Resource catalogoffering. Look for bandpass, mercuryline, short-wave pass, long-wavepass, and fluorescence filtersfeaturing our patented Stabilife ®construction. Additionally, thepopular optical density and coloredglass filters families have beengreatly expanded. Withenhancements such as these,Newport's filters offering is one ofthe most comprehensive in theindustry. For more information,please visit: www.newport.com/optics.Bandpass Filters.Short and Long-Wave Pass Filters.Colored Glass Filters.www.newport.com

Page 8 Fall 2006LasersExplorer Scientific UV LaserCompact, reliable, solid-state laser perfect for scientific research applications.Key FeaturesHigh spatial and temporalresolutionExcellent mode qualitySuperior pulse-to-pulse stabilityLow jitter for critical timingapplicationsThe Spectra-Physics Explorer Scientific laser is aninnovative, low power intra-cavity tripled and activelyQ-Switched diode-pumped solid state laser that deliversup to 120 µJ pulse energy. The Explorer Scientific is anideal research tool for lower repetition rate applicationsthat require high pulse energies and peak power, andwhere laser pulse repetition rate is less critical. Extremelyversatile and flexible, the Explorer Scientific UV Laser isan attractive product for companies and researchersalike due to its simple installation, robust design and lowprice.Software and hardware compatibilityA graphical user interface can be used to control theL-series power supply. The same sophisticated technologypermits computer access via a USB port connection toeasily control functions. Quality wise, a near-diffractionlimitedTEM 00 output beam provides tight focusing andhigh spatial resolution for unparalleled performance.See our website for more info.WEB newport.comview offer detailswww.newport.com

Fall 2006 Page 9HeliosTransient Absorption Spectroscopy SystemAbsorption spectrometer for ultrafast phenomena.Helios is a CCD-based pump-probetransient absorption spectrometerused for monitoring extremely shortlivedoptically absorbing states. Theexperimental time window rangesfrom 150fs to 3.2 ns, coveringwavelengths of 350 to 1600 nm. Thesystem comes with anoptical unit and a PC thatcontains data acquisitionhardware and software.The system is designed towork with an amplifiedTi:Sapphire femtosecond laserto produce spectral and kineticdata required forinvestigating photoexcitationevents onthe sub-picosecond andlonger timescale. The systemproduces a 3-D Wavelength-Time-Absorbance data matrix in an ASCIICSV file, which can be easilyprocessed and displayed using theSurface Xplorer software.Key FeaturesQuick, easy installationEasy accommodation ofharmonic generators and OPAsSuperb data analysis softwaretoolSee our website for more info.WEB newport.comOpal ®BBHigh-Power Synchronously Pumped OPOOffers higher power than any other commercial OPO.Key FeaturesHigh output powerSimple automated wavelengthscansThe Opal BB is an optical parametricoscillator (OPO) that delivers broadlytunable femtosecond pulses from 1.1to 2.25 µm with a single set ofoptics. It further extends output ofthe Mai Tai HP and Tsunami ultrafastTi:Sapphire lasers into the infrared.In addition, Opal BB also providesfrequency-doubled wavelengths inthe “missing” visible region.This robust OPO accepts higherpump power than other bulk orperiodically poled materials. As aresult, the Opal typically produces> 600 mW at 1.3 µm and > 400 mWat 1.5 µm. For ease of use,operational and wavelength tuningfeatures are automatically controlledby a built-in computer, which can beinterfaced using an RS-232 or GPIB.Wide continuous spectralcoverage by a single set of opticswith synchronized signal andidler outputsMode-locked output pulsesSee our website for more info.WEB newport.comwww.newport.com

Page 10 Fall 2006Matisse Ti:Sapphire e Ring LasersUnique source of broadly tunable, very narrow bandwidth radiation.The Matisse series is a family ofground breaking, single frequency,ultra-narrow linewidth tunable ringlasers. Benefits include ultra-narrowspectral bandwidth in the 10's ofkHz, low noise CW power output,low sensitivity to microphonics, andhighly accurate wavelengthscanning.Matisse TSThe Matisse TS Ti:Sapphire ring laserreduces spectral linewidth to lessthan 500 kHz. Its massive Invar baseplate provides unprecedentedpassive isolation and ensures quietsingle-frequency operation. Also, itson-board digital intelligenceprovides real-time access to allinternal diagnostics. Parameters canbe configured by the user, makingthe Matisse TS well suited for avariety of experiments.Matisse TRThis ring laser uses a birefringentfilter, a thick etalon and a thinetalon, which are actively controlledto center the laser on a singlefrequencylongitudinal cavity mode.It provides a linewidth of less than10 MHz and can be upgraded to thehigher resolution Matisse TS and/orto operation with dye as the lasingmedium.See our website for more info.WEB newport.comGeneral CharacteristicsAbsolute Spectral LinewidthMatisse TS: < 500 kHz rmsMatisse TR: < 10 MHz rmsSpatial Mode TEM 003.2 W output power withMillennia 15 pumpAmplitude Noise: 2.5% rmsBeam Polarization: HorizontalTristarHigh Repetition Rate, Intra-Cavity Tripled TUV LaserThe Tristar features a new lightsource for an impressivecombination of power and flexiblerepetition rates. It is an excellentchoice for demanding applicationswhere highly focused spots,precision positioning, and the highthroughput are necessary.OEMs can use this laser to designsystems where each pulse is preciselypositioned on a micrometer scale forhigh levels of accuracy. The Tristarensures that the focus is round andtight enough to apply laser energyexactly where it is needed.The higher repetition rate of 100 kHz andabove provides more pulses per secondfor faster material processing andthroughput. The short wavelength of355 nm and precise Gaussian beamprofile enable a small spot size fordelicate work.For maximum control, users canprogram pulse rates and otherfunctions through computercommands using an RS-232interface. For precise, real-timeprocessing, TTL/analog signal controlis also available.Key FeaturesHigh repetition rates of 100 kHzand aboveExcellent pulse-to-pulse stabilityGaussian beam profile, TEM 00Compact industrial designSee our website for more info.WEB newport.comwww.newport.com

Millennia ®Fall 2006 Page 11Pro o Trade-Up TProgramSave money on a new Millennia Pro o in the Trade-Up TProgramogram.Key FeaturesUltra stable EternAlign mountsProven ProLite ® seriespump diodesUltra low noise performanceof

Register for a Free Copyof the Newport CatalogNewport's new 2006/2007 Resource is a comprehensive catalog that contains added tutorials, application notes and5000+ products, including optics, opto-mechanical components, positioning hardware, photonic instruments, opticaltables and vibration control, Spectra-Physics Lasers, and Oriel Light Sources and Spectroscopic Instruments.To receive a free copy of the catalog, please register atwww.newport.com/catalog.Worldwide contact details at: http://www.newport.com/Contact-usM-10061