The products in the ACE laser range are oscillator and oscillator/amplifier (MOPA) models based on Nd:YVO4 and Nd:YAG operating at 1064nm, with optional harmonic conversion for output in the visible and UV. The lasers provide multi-kilowatt TEMoo pulses in the 1-100kHz range. All models provide very short high intensity pulses, with pulse duration depending on repetition rate and power level. The standard Nd:YVO4 lasers produce 1064nm pulses ranging from ~ 5ns at 100kHz to ~ 1.5ns at 5kHz and below. The Nd:YAG lasers produce 1064nm pulses ranging from ~ 3ns at 10kHz to 1.5ns at 2kHz and below. For those requiring even shorter pulses, Nd:YVO4 laser models (SP and SPX) are available which produce 1064nm pulses down to ~ 500ps.
The ACE MOPA lasers are higher power oscillator/amplifier systems and also have harmonic generation units as standard options. Models in the MOPA range have similar excellent beam quality to the oscillators above, but the added amplifier provides operation to over 2W average power and allows pulses of >200kW peak power.
The PSU/control units for the models in the ACE laser range are available in bench/laboratory format or in 19" cases for rack mounting. All local laser controls and settings are accessed from the front of the PSU/control unit, which also includes an external trigger input port and a sync output port. Single phase input power, the connection to the laser head, the external interlock link, and optional RS232 remote control interface are all accessed on the back panel of the PSU/control unit.
ACE Oscillator Layout
The standard format of the lasers comprises a laser head and PSU/control unit coupled by a flexible umbilical cable. The head is ‘three point’ mounted on a pitch to match that of standard optical tables. Laser system efficiency is very high, obviating the need for water cooling and avoiding the attendant complications.
Figure (1a/b) presents schematics of the standard bench/laboratory format showing the
key dimensions of the laser. An umbilical cable (nominally) 2m in length couples the
PSU/control unit to the laser head. The laser head includes space for the HGA (Harmonic Generator Assembly) which includes very low loss wavelength separation optics as well as the harmonic crystal(s). The beam exits the head nominally 30mm off the plane of
the platform to which the unit is mounted. All local laser controls and settings are
accessed from the front of the PSU/control unit, which also includes the external trigger
input port and a sync output port. Single phase input power, the connection to the laser
head, the external interlock link, and optional RS232 remote control interface are all
accessed on the back panel of the PSU/control unit.
Figure (1a)
The standard format for the oscillator laser head showing key dimensions.
Figure (1b)
The standard format for the oscillator power supply and control unit showing key dimensions.
