Ekspla: Employing SFG spectroscopy in protein structure studies

Langmuir, the highly reputed ACS (American Chemical Society) magazine, in it’s May issue, published an interesting study called “Structure Determination of Hen Egg-White Lysozyme Aggregates Adsorbed to Lipid/Water and Air/Water Interfaces” which was featured on the magazine‘s cover. The picture in the cover art was made by the article co-authors and young perspective scientist Simona Strazdaitė a senior research fellow in the Department of Organic Chemistry at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology (FTMC). The cover art illustrates the technique employed in the article – a surface-specific technique, vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy. It was applied to study the structure of lysozyme aggregates adsorbed to a lipid monolayer.

These studies are very important in helping to understand how neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are evolving.

Ekspla is proud that its customized version of the SFG spectrometer was employed in these important studies.

The article can be found here.

Ekspla: Even more research possibilities by employing new high-energy tunable wavelength lasers

Ekspla updated it‘s range of high-energy tunable wavelength lasers. Various options and model upgrades will make these tunable nanosecond lasers even more versatile and able to be tailored for specific applications and/or requirements. The main upgrades were implemented into the two main series of high-energy tunable lasers – NT340 and NT350.

Two main upgrades were introduced, extending the flagship model NT340 tuning range. The MIR option helps researchers to step into mid-infrared territory by providing a tuning range from 2500 to 4400 nm. By employing customized options (available on separate request), the tuning range of the NT340 can be extended to 18 000 nm for specific applications like studies of IR vibrations of molecules.

The biggest news among NT350 series tunable lasers is the newly introduced model – NT352E. High energy, up to 250 mJ pulses are delivered and are highly beneficial for photoacoustics imaging applications. By employing an SH extension, the gap free tuning range of all models can be extended to 330-2600 nm. For more control over experiments and  protection of valuable optics, an optional energy meter can be installed.

The recently announced fast wavelength switching (FWS) option will be available for the NT350 series laser. Users employing lasers with this option installed will be able to preprogram almost any number of desired wavelengths (within the tuning range) to be emitted at almost any step and in any order. For applications like photoacoustic imaging, where initiation of acoustic response of materials using light within a short time period is needed, this function should be especially attractive.

NT340 or NT350 series tunable lasers seamlessly integrate, in a compact housing, a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator and Nd:YAG Q-switched laser. The high integration level saves valuable space in the laboratory.

For researchers working in applications where ultimate precision is essential , the lasers ensure superior tuning resolution (1 – 2 cm⁻¹) which allows recording of high quality spectra.

The system is designed for easy and cost-effective maintenance. Replacement of flashlamps can be done without misalignment of the laser cavity and deterioration of laser performance. The OPO pump energy monitoring system helps to increase the lifetime of the optical components.

The device is controlled from the remote keypad or PC using LabVIEW™ drivers that are supplied with the system. Employing a variety of control interfaces: USB, RS232, LAN and WLAN ensures easy control and integration with other equipment (optional).

Rearranged set of attenuator models and fiber bundle coupling options facilitate incorporation of NT340 and NT350 systems into various experimental environments.

Ekspla: Higher imaging depth and resolution in photoacoustics with a new laser source

Higher imaging depth and resolution in photoacoustics will be available with a new laser source from Ekspla.

Ekspla introduceda new high-energy laser source version for photoacoustic imaging applications. For researchers requesting higher sample imaging depth and resolution, PhotoSonus+ delivers up to 250 mJ of pulse energy at 10 Hz repetition rate.

PhotoSonus+ photoaoustic imaging laser source consists of a high energy Q-switched laser, parametric oscillator, power supply, and cooling unit, all integrated in a single robust cart-type housing to provide mobility, ease of use and low maintenance costs.

The highly flexible PhotoSonus platform makes it easily integrated and used in a photoacoustic imaging system. It is fully motorized and computer-controlled, with user trigger outputs and inputs and special options such as motorized switching between OPO Signal and Idler, motorized attenuator, internal energy meter, and electromechanical output shutter.

Fast wavelength switching option enables each laser pulse to have at different wavelengths within the entire signal or idler range, at any step, and in any order. This new feature, combining high pulse energy (up to 250 mJ) and wide wavelength tuning range (660 – 2300 nm) makes PhotoSonus an irreplaceable imaging source for any photoacoustic system.

For user convenience, the output of PhotoSonus+ laser can be customized for being coupled with any type of fiber bundle.

Now, with the new model introduced, the PhotoSonus laser family features three product lines dedicated to specific photoacoustic imaging applications. The DPSS laser-based PhotoSonus X is targeted for customers where a high data acquisition rate is preferable as it provides up to 50 mJ at 100 Hz or up to 65 mJ at 50 Hz. PhotoSonus represents the classic „all-rounder approach“ and delivers up to 160 mJ at 20 Hz or up to 180 mJ at 10 Hz. While Photosonus+ is built for researchers wishing to probe even deeper into tissues.

Download datasheet here. 

Ekspla: New and Promising Applications in Laser Materials Processing

Ekspla lasers are being used in developing new and promising applications in Materials Processing. Techniques including Laser-assisted Selective Copper Deposition on Polymers and Laser Photopolymerisation are finding rapid niche growth. Ekspla has recently added ten new short articles outlining new applications for Laser Materials Processing here. It is part of the Ekspla Applications article library. 

Laser-assisted Selective Copper Deposition on Polymers

Fabrication of circuit traces is the most challenging task in Moulded interconnect devices (MID) production, being both technically difficult to achieve and difficult to make cost effectively. Moulded interconnect devices (MID) – an injection-moulded thermoplastic part with integrated electronics – offer material, weight and cost savings by integrating electronic circuits directly into polymeric components. Selective Surface Activation Induced by Laser (SSAIL) is a new technology for writing electronic circuits directly onto the dielectric material. This is done by modifying the surface properties with a picosecond pulse laser and has been developed at the Center for physical sciences and technology. Picosecond lasers can write the circuits directly by modifying the surface of polymers followed by an electroless metal plating. SSAIL is a three-step process. First is surface modification by laser; second is chemical activation of the modified areas; and the last step is metal deposition by electroless plating. The new technology offers laser writing speeds of up to 4m/s, and therefore spatial plating pitch is kept narrow at 25 µm.

Recommended Laser: Ekspla Atlantic Series High Power Industrial Picosecond Lasers

Photopolymerization

Photopolymerization is a powerful and versatile light-activated resin solidification process. It is attractive for the fabrication of complex micrometer-size three-dimensional (3D) structures by employing nanosecond as well as picosecond lasers. Many fabrication techniques of polymeric microstructures are based on photopolymerization via photolithography, digital light processing lithography, rapid prototyping, multi-photon polymerization, 3D printing, interference lithography, etc. Polymeric microstructures with a prescribed shape and thickness are desirable for a wide range of applications: tissue engineering, electronics and optics, coating, adhesives, drug delivery, microfluidics and surface science.

Source: E. Stankevičius, E. Daugnoraitė, etc. Mechanism of pillars formation using four-beam interference lithography. Optics and Lasers in Engineering 116, 41-46 (2019).\

Recommended Laser: Ekspla Atlantic Series High Power Industrial Picosecond Lasers

Ekspla ND230 High Energy Q-switched DPSS Nd:YAG Lasers

Bio-inspired Shark-skin-like Surface Structuring

Bio-inspired surfaces decrease friction with gases and the most recognizable textures are shark-skin-like riblets. Such surfaces can be formed using  direct laser ablation with high flexibility options. The bio-inspired riblet surfaces were formed using picosecond ultraviolet laser ablation on pre-heated Teflon at various sample temperatures. The ablation of hot Teflon was found to be 30% more efficient than the conventional laser structuring at room temperature. The functional properties and surface morphologies of the laser-fabricated textures were found to be close to the simplified geometry of shark-skin. The friction of structured Teflon surfaces with the flowing air was investigated using a drag measurement setup.

Source: A. Žemaitis, J. Mikšys, etc. High-efficiency laser fabrication of drag reducing riblet surfaces on pre-heated Teflon. Materials Research Express 6, 065309 (2019).

Recommended Laser: Ekspla Atlantic Series High Power Industrial Picosecond Lasers

Ekspla Atlantic 6 Compact Air-cooled Industrial Picosecond Laser

Read further articles here. 

Ekspla: New industrial picosecond laser Atlantic models feature higher average power and longer lifetime

Ekspla has updated its industrial picosecond laserline. The updated Atlantic line features industrial laser models with higher average power and prolonged lifetime for UV versions. To ensure simple model navigation, all Atlantic series products have been rearranged into three groups according to output wavelength: Atlantic IR, Atlantic VIS and Atlantic UV series.

Dedicated for heavy-duty real industry applications, Atlantic UV models feature third harmonics – up to 355 nm output wavelength, and cover versions from 1W up to 30 W output power. Due to the redesign of harmonics module, stress on optical components is reduced, resulting in longer lifetime and lower short time thermal effects for perfect beam quality at various operation conditions. For easy and fast UV optics replacement, the Atlantic UV series model has a single wavelength output.

Ekspla Laser Electronics

Above: PCD-UHR Series OEM Cavity Dumper Drivers

Ekspla offer a range of Laser Electronics systems and products. Please click on links below to learn more.

Pockels Cell Drivers

HV Power Supplies

Laser Diode Drivers

Flashlamp Drivers

Cooling Units

Crystal Ovens

Pump Chambers

Download complete Laser Electronics brochure here. 

Ekspla T-SPEC Series Real-time Terahertz Spectrometer

The T-SPEC Real-time Terahertz Spectrometer offered by Eksplais a powerful tool for investigative applications of pulsed terahertz waves. With simple and robust design, it is easy-to-use and adaptable to individual requirements. The unique design of microstrip photoconductive antenna fabricated on low-temperature grown GaAs substrate ensures broadband spectral coverage and high dynamic range. The system is designed with two delay lines: fast and slow. Fast scan line allows real time data acquisition with 10 spectra/s speed and 110 ps time window. Average of collected spectra can increase dynamic range to 70 dB at pulse maximum and extend spectral range up to 4.5 THz. Additional slow delay line allows combination of multiple time windows; thus spectrometer obtains excellent spectral resolution < 2.5 GHz. The fast scan line is designed without bearings and uses a magnetically coupled drive which makes it extremely reliable and significantly extends the lifetime. T-SPEC spectrometer has hermetic housing with mounted gas inlets. Read more. 

Ekspla T-Fiber Series Fiber Coupled Terahertz Spectrometer

The Fiber-coupled Terahertz Spectrometer T-FIBER, offered by Ekspla, features flexible and robust design. It has integrated femtosecond fiber laser with two fiber output ports. Comparing to common Ti:S oscillators, fiber lasers are smaller, cheaper, more reliable and feature parameters that are perfect for terahertz generation. Femtosecond laser, delay line and signal registration electronics are integrated in a single compact housing with footprint only 40×40 cm. Minimal set of free space optics used in spectrometer allows stable long time operation. Special “no bearing” design of fast delay line makes its lifetime practically unlimited. Delay line allows real time data acquisition with 10 spectra/s speed and 110 ps time window. Read more.

Ekspla CARS Microspectrometer

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy primarily was used in chemistry, physics and related fields. It is sensitive to the same vibrational signatures of molecules as seen in Raman spectroscopy, typically the nuclear vibrations of chemical bonds. Unlike Raman spectroscopy, CARS employs multiple photons to address the molecular vibrations, and produces a signal in which the emitted waves are coherent with one another. As a result, CARS is orders of magnitude stronger than spontaneous Raman emission. CARS is a third-order nonlinear optical process involving three laser beams: a pump beam of frequency ω pump , a Stokes beam of frequency ω Stokes and a probe beam at frequency ω probe. Read more. 

Ekspla SFG Spectrometer Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) Vibrational Spectrometer

The Ekspla Sum frequency generation (SFG) spectrometer is based on picosecond pump laser and optical parametric generator (OPG) with difference frequency generation (DFG) extension. Solid state mode-locked Nd:YAG laser featuring high pulse duration and energy stability is used in the system. Fundamental laser radiation splits into several channels in multichannel beams delivery unit. Two of these beams are used for pumping OPG and DFG. Small part of laser output beam, usually with doubled frequency (532 nm), is directed to VIS channel of SFG spectrometer. IR channel of spectrometer is pumped by DFG output beam. All system components are designed to operate in tandem. The sizes of individual compartments, positions of apertures and beams heights are fitted. As a result SFG spectrometer takes less space in laboratory. Standard versions usually fit on 1000×2400 mm optical table. No laser beams are passing across optical table. For example beam dedicated for VIS channel passes through OPG compartment only to minimize the risk of accident with dangerous high intensity laser radiation. It makes Ekspla spectrometer substantially safer comparing to home-made SFG-VS setups. Also optical parameters, like beam diameter, pulse energy, delays between channels are perfectly matched. We designed our spectrometer thinking about user friendly operation. Read more. 

Ekspla NL940 Series High Energy Temporary Shaped Nanosecond Nd:YAG Lasers

The EksplaNL940 series main laser feature is output of temporary shaped pulses based on electrooptical modulator driven by programable arbitrary form generator (AWG). Pulse shaping resolution is 125 ps, while maximum pulse length is 10 ns. Start of the system is single mode CW laser. Then light is amplified in fibre amplifier, later AWG driven modulator transmits only required temporal shape and duration pulse which is amplified in diode pumped regenerative amplifier in order to reach energy sufficient to amplify in singly pass flash-lamp pumped amplifiers.

Power amplifier is a chain of single-pass amplifiers where pulse is amplified up to required energy. During amplification spatial beam shaping is emloyed in order to get flat top shape at the output. The second harmonic generator is based on angle tuned nonlinear crystal placed in a heater. Read more.

Ekspla Nd:Glass Laser Systems Nanosecond High Energy Laser Systems

Ekspla offers a wide range of high energy Nd:Glass laser systems. Typically Nd:Glass laser comprise SLM diode pumped master oscillator, pre-amplifier, pulse shaper and main lamp pumped amplifiers. Read more.

Ekspla Atlantic HR Series High Repetition Rate Industrial Picosecond Laser

The EksplaAtlantic HR diode pumped picosecond laser introduces a high repetition rate solution for material processing and other industrial applications.
Diode pumped solid state laser technology combined with EKSPLA‘s 20 years of experience in picosecond lasers has enabled the design and manufacture of a reliable cost effective tool. A rugged design ensures stable and reliable operation in diverse ambient conditions. Short pulse duration (< 8 ps) and good beam quality (M2 < 1.3) make this laser an excellent choice for many industrial as well as R&D applications.
A high repetition rate allows for fast processes with multiple meters per second scanning speed. Read more. 

Ekspla Atlantic series High Power Industrial Picosecond Lasers

Ekspla's  Atlantic series lasers have been designed as a versatile tool for a variety of industrial material processing applications. They are compact, OEM rugged, with up to 60 W output power at 1064 nm. Featuring short pulse duration Atlantic series lasers offers minimized thermal damage to the material, what is becoming more and more important in wide range of industries: photovoltaics, electronics, biomedicine, automotive.

Innovative design, employing fiber based oscillator ensured excellent output beam parameters: M2 < 1.3 with pulse energy fluctuations < 1 %. All optical components are placed into sealed monolithic block thus ensuring reliable 24/7 operation.

High, up to 1 MHz repetition rate, combined with low maintenance requirements establishes this laser as good choice for industrial, high throughput material processing systems, requiring speed and precision. Optical components are installed in a robust, precisely machined monolithic aluminum block, which could be used as a separate module for customized solutions. Read more. 

Ekspla Atlantic 6 Compact Air-cooled Industrial Picosecond Laser

Ekspla's  Atlantic 6 is designed for industrial micromachining applications as a reliable, compact and cost effective solution. Hybrid fiber and DPSS technologies implemented in this model make it also very energetically efficient, which enables air cooling solution for laser head. No water is used inside laser, which means you should not worry about unexpected leakage, regular water replacement or possible chiller failure. Laser head generates only around 150 W of heat, so it required quite simple heat management solutions for system integrators. Laser do not require a chiller or big heat exchanger, so all control and power supply electronics is fit into standard 3U 19-inch rack.

Hybrid technology enables new pulse control features, which are not present in earlier Atlantic series lasers. Atlantic 6 can provide burst of pulses spaced only 25 ns in time, so called seeder burst mode. It is very useful in material processing applications, because in some cases it allows to increase process efficiency or at least provides additional variable parameter for process optimization. Atlantic 6 has broad range of accessible pulse repetition ranges, from single pulse to 1 MHz. Read more.

Ekspla NT230 High Energy Broadly Tunable DPSS Lasers

Ekspla's  NT230 series lasers deliver high up to 10 mJ energy pulses at 100 Hz pulse repetition rate, tunable over a broad spectral range. Integrated into a single compact housing, the diode pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and Optical Paramteric Oscillator (OPO) offers hands‑free, no-gap tuning from 192 to 2600 nm. With its 100 Hz repetition rate, the NT230 series laser establishes itself as a versatile tool for many laboratory applications, as laser induced fluorescence, flash photolysis, photobiology, metrology, remote sensing, etc.

Due to the innovative diode‑pumped design, NT230 series lasers features maintenance-free laser operation for an extended period of time and improved stability (compared with flash-lamp pumped counterparts).

NT230 series systems can be controlled from a user-friendly remote control pad or/and a computer using supplied LabVIEW™ drivers. The control pad allows easy control of all parameters and features on a backlit system display that is easy to read even with laser safety eyewear.

Due to DPSS pump source, the laser requires little maintenance. It is cooled by a built-in chiller, which further reduces running costs. An OPO pump energy monitor allows monitoring of pump laser performance. A standard feature includes a separate output port for the 355 nm pump beam. Read more. 

Ekspla LightWire FFS series Compact Fiber Seeders for Femtosecond Lasers

Ekspla's LightWire FFS series fiber lasers are dedicated for seeding solid state femtosecond Yb:YAG based CPA systems. Ekspla offers FFS lasers either with femtosecond pulse duration directly from fiber, or with chirped pulses.

Broad up to 12 nm spectral bandwidth enables amplification of pulses with < 300 fs compressed duration. Special feature of FFS200CHI laser is customizable chirp profile to match compressor design of the CPA system. Read more. 

Ekspla LightWire FPS series Compact Fiber Seeders for Picosecond Lasers

Ekspla's  LightWire FPS series fiber lasers are dedicated for seeding solid state Nd:YAG amplifiers. Compact, cost efficient FPS series models deliver sub‑10 ps pulses at 1064 nm wavelength with the average output power up to 200 mW and pulse energy up to 50 nJ.

They feature narrow close to bandwidth limited spectrum and low pulse amplitude noise. Wavelength tunability ensures that seed pulses are always spectrally overlapped with the amplification spectrum of your amplifier. Read more. 

Ekspla FF200 Compact Femtosecond Fiber Laser

Ekspla FF200 Compact Femtosecond Fiber Laser

Ekspla's  LightWire FF200 is a cost effective turn-key femtosecond fiber laser with fiber delivery of the pulses all the way to your sample. Based on a well‑established MOPA scheme, LightWire FF200 model laser due to its all-in-fiber construction ensures a reliable hands free operation in very compact package.

Ekspla FP200 Compact Picosecond Fiber Laser

Ekspla'sLightWire FP200 laser is dedicated for researchers and OEM integrators, who require small, convenient and maintenance free source with transform limited picosecond pulses.

Widely tunable pulse repetition rate 20 kHz – 40 MHz makes it an excellent choice for non-linear microscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy, terahertz spectroscopy, ultrafast metrology applications. FP200 model is available with second harmonic option (532 nm). Read more. 

Ekspla SL212 Series SBS Compressed Picosecond Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's  SL212 laser is excellent solution for applications, where high energy picosecond pulses are needed. In contrary to conventional mode-locked lasers the SL212 series lasers use different method of generating short pulses based on backward-stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). Diode pumped passive Q-switched single longitudinal mode (SLM) nanosecond generator is the heart of the system. It provides nanosecond optical pulse that is later compressed during SBS in a special cell.

Ekspla PL2210 Series Diode Pumped Picosecond kHz Pulsed Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's PL2210 series diode-pumped, air-cooled, mode-locked Nd:YAG lasers provide picosecond pulses at a kilohertz pulse repetition rate.
Short pulse duration, excellent pulse-to-pulse stability, superior beam quality makes PL2210 series diode pumped picosecond lasers well suited for many applications, including material processing, time-resolved spectroscopy, optical parametric generator pumping, and other tasks.

Ekspla NL740 Series Ultrastable Nanosecond Laser

The main feature of the Ekspla  NL740 series is the output of ultra-stable tunable duration (2 – 10 ns) narrow bandwidth nanosecond pulses based on temporally driven CW diode laser seeder and amplification stages.

Start of the system is the single mode DFB laser with temporal output power modulator. Then light is amplified in diode pumped regenerative amplifier in order to reach energy sufficient to amplify in double pass diode pumped amplifiers. Power amplifier is a chain of double pass amplifiers where pulse is amplified up to required energy. Before amplification spatial beam shaping is employed in order to get flat top shape at the output. The harmonic generators are based on angle tuned nonlinear crystals placed in a heater. Read more.

Ekspla PhotoSonus: Mobile High Energy Tunable Laser System for Photoacoustic Imaging

Following the demand of high output energies in the photoacoustic market for imaging larger volumes of tissue, the Ekspla PhotoSonus, a new high energy tunable laser source for photo-acoustic imaging has been introduced. Time-tested Ekspla nanosecond pump laser, parametric oscillator, power supply and cooling unit are integrated in a single robust housing to provide mobility and ease of use.

Highly flexible PhotoSonus platform makes it easy to be integrated and used in a photoacoustic imaging system: it is fully motorized and computer controlled, have user trigger outputs/inputs and special functions as fast tuning between OPO wavelengths. Parametric oscillator generates output energies up to 200 mJ at peak. Achieving a highly uniform spatial distribution from OPO and adjustable beam diameter helps homogeneously couple various size fiber bundles and deliver balanced energy light to the target. By employing a wide range of other options (like access to OPO idler range, toggling between OPO and fundamental wavelengths through simultaneous output), this laser system can be modified to specific user requirements in order to expand photo-acoustic imaging possibilities. Read more.

Ekspla Ultraflux: Tunable Wavelength Single Housing Femtosecond Laser System

Introducing the UltraFlux Tunable wavelength femtosecond laser from Ekspla.

UltraFlux is the first compact high energy tuneable wavelength femtosecond laser system which incorporates the advantages of ultrafast fiber laser, solid-state and parametric amplification technologies in less than 1 square meter footprint box. Patent pending (application No. EP2924500) OPCPA front end technology uses the same picosecond fiber laser for seeding both picosecond DPSS pump laser and femtosecond parametric amplifier by spectrally broadened output. Read more.

Ekspla NT370 series High Energy IR Range Tunable Lasers

The Ekspla NT370 series tunable laser seamlessly integrates in a compact housing the nanosecond optical parametric oscillator and Nd:YAG Q-switched laser.

Pumped by fundamental harmonics output the lasers provides tuning in mid- and far-infrared spectral range. NT373 model delivers eye-safe output at 1570 nm. NT373-XIRx model uses the output from eye‑safe OPO to pump IR crystal based cascade OPO for tunable output in 4400 – 18000 nm range. Customized tuning ranges are available by request. The linewidth of NT373-XIRx model is nearly constant across tuning range and it is less than 6 cm⁻¹. NT377 model produces tunable output in 2500 – 4400 nm range. Pulse energy is exceeding 10 mJ for wavelengths shorter than 3600 nm, while linewidth is below 10 cm⁻¹ for the wavelengths longer than 3000 nm. Read More.

Ekspla NT350 Series High Energy NIR Range Tunable Lasers

Ekspla's NT352 series tunable laser seamlessly integrates in a compact housing a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator and Nd:YAG Q-switched laser.

Four models with different output pulse energy values are offered. The most powerful model has more than 125 mJ pulse energy at 800 nm. Narrow linewidth (<10 cm⁻¹) is nearly constant trough whole tuning range, which makes laser suitable for many spectroscopy application. The device is controlled from the remote keypad or from PC through RS232 interface using LabVIEW™ drivers that are supplied with the system. The remote pad features a backlit display that is easy to read even while wearing laser safety glasses.

System is designed for easy and cost-effective maintenance. Replacement of flashlamps can be done without misalignment of the laser cavity and deterioration of laser performance. OPO pump energy monitoring system helps to increase lifetime of the optical components. Read more. 

Ekspla NT342 Series High Energy Broadly Tunable Lasers

The Ekspla NT342 series tunable wavelength nanosecond laser seamlessly integrates the nanosecond optical parametric oscillator and the Nd:YAG Q-switched nanosecond laser – all in a compact housing. The main system features are: hands-free wavelength tuning from UV to IR, high conversion efficiency, optional fiber-coupled output and separate output port for pump laser beam. Narrow bandwidth models have a linewidth of less than 5 cm⁻¹, which is ideal for many spectroscopic applications.

The laser is designed for convenient use. It can be controlled from remote keypad or from a PC through an RS232 interface using LabView™ drivers that are supplied with the system. The remote keypad features a backlit display that is easy to read even through laser safety googles. The OPO pump energy monitoring system helps to control pump laser parameters. Replacement of laser flashlamps can be done without misalignment of the laser cavity and/or deterioration of laser performance. Read more. 

Ekspla NT242 series nanosecond tunable DPSS lasers

Ekspla's NT242 series lasers produce pulses at an unprecedented 1 kHz pulse repetition rate, tunable over a broad spectral range. Integrated into a single compact housing, the diode pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and OPO offers hands‑free, no-gap tuning from 210 to 2600 nm. With its 1000 Hz repetition rate, the NT242 series laser establishes itself as a versatile tool for many laboratory applications, including laser induced fluorescence, flash photolysis, photobiology, metrology, remote sensing, etc.

NT242 series systems can be controlled from a user-friendly remote control pad or/and a computer using supplied LabVIEW™ drivers. The control pad allows easy control of all parameters and features on a backlit display that is easy to read even with laser safety eyewear. Thanks to a DPSS pump source, the laser requires little maintenance. It is cooled by a stand alone chiller, which further reduces running costs. A built‑in OPO pump energy monitor allows monitoring of pump laser performance without the use of external power meters. A standard feature includes a separate output port for the 355 nm pump beam. Read More.

Ekspla NT200 series Tunable Wavelength NIR-IR Range DPSS Lasers

Ekspla's NT200 series tunable laser systems integrates into a single compact housing a nanosecond Optical Parametric Oscillator (OPO) and Diode-Pumped Solid–State (DPSS) Q-switched pump laser. Diode pumping enables fast data acquisition at high pulse repetition rates up to 10 kHz (depending on model) while avoiding frequent flashlamp changes that are common when flashlamp pumped lasers are used. Most of the pump lasers do not require water for cooling, thus further reducing running and maintenance costs.

Ekspla NL230 Series High Energy Q-switched DPSS Nd:YAG Lasers

The Ekspla  NL230 series diode-pumped Q-switched lasers produce up to 150 mJ at 100 Hz or up to 190 mJ at 50 Hz pulse repetition rate. Diode pumping allows maintenance-free laser operation for an extended period of time (more than 3 years for an estimated eight working hours per day). The typical pump diode lifetime is more than 1 billion shots.

Lasers are designed to produce high-intensity, high-brightness pulses and are targeted for applications such as material ablation, remote sensing, OPO, Ti:Sapphire or dye laser pumping. Due to an electro‑optical Q-switch, the master oscillator generates short duration pulses in the 3 – 7 ns range. The oscillator cavity optical design features a variable‑reflectivity output coupler, giving a low-divergence laser beam. A closed-loop TEC based chiller is used for laser cooling, eliminating the need for external cooling water and reducing running costs. Angle-tuned non-linear crystals mounted in temperature stabilized heaters are used for optional second, third or fourth harmonic generation. The harmonics separation system is designed to ensure radiation with a high spectral purity and to direct it to the separate output ports.

For customer convenience the laser can be controlled via a user‑friendly remote control pad or a USB interface. The remote pad allows easy control of all parameters and features a backlit display that is easy to read even through laser safety eyewear. Alternatively, the laser can be controlled from a personal computer via supplied Windows™ compatible software. LabVIEW™ drivers are also included with each laser. installation package. Read more. 

Ekspla NL220 Series High Energy kHz Pulsed Q-switched DPSS Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's  NL220 series diode pumped Q-switched lasers produce up to 30 mJ at 1000 Hz  pulse repetition rate. The laser is designed to produce high intensity, high brightness pulses and is targeted for applications like OPO, Ti:sapphire or dye laser pumping, nonlinear spectroscopy, material ablation, micromachining, and other tasks.

Angle-tuned LBO and/or BBO crystals mounted in temperature stabilized heaters are used for optional second, third or fourth harmonic generation. The harmonics separation system is designed to ensure a high spectral purity of radiation directed to separate output ports.

For customer convenience the laser can be controlled from a user-friendly remote control pad or USB interface. The remote pad allows easy control of all parameters and features a backlit display that is easy to read even wearing laser safety eyewear. Alternatively, the laser can be controlled from a personal computer with supplied software for a Windows™ operating system. LabVIEW™ drivers are supplied as well. Read more. 

Ekspla NL200 Series Compact Q-switched DPSS Lasers

Ekspla's  NL200 series DPSS Q-switched nanosecond lasers offer high pulse energy at kHz repetition rates. End-pumped design makes this laser compact and easy to integrate. Harmonic generation modules for 532 nm, 355 nm, 266 nm and 213 nm wavelengths can be combined into one module, easily attached to the laser frame.

Featuring short pulse duration, variable repetition rate and external TTL triggering, nanosecond diode pumped NL200 series Q-switched lasers are excellent cost effective sources for specific applications like pulsed laser deposition, ablation through mask or intravolume marking of transparent materials, when higher pulse energy is required. Excellent energy stability and a wide range of wavelength options make this laser a perfect tool for spectro­scopy and remote sensing applications. Mechanically stable and hermetically sealed design ensures reliable operation and long lifetime of laser components. Read more.

Ekspla NL120 Series SLM Q-switched Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's  NL120 series electro-optically Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YAG lasers deliver up to 10 J per pulse with excellent stability. The innovative, diode‑pumped, self‑seeded master oscillator design results in Single Longitudinal Mode (SLM) output without the use of external expensive narrow linewidth seed diodes and cavity‑locking electronics. Unlike more common designs that use an unstable laser cavity, the stable master oscillator cavity produces a TEM₀₀ spatial mode output that results in excellent beam properties after the amplification stages.

NL120 series Q-switched nanosecond lasers are an excellent choice for many applications, including OPO, OPCPA or dye laser pumping, holography, LIF spectroscopy, remote sensing, optics testing and other tasks. For tasks that require a smooth and as close as possible to the Gaussian beam profile, models with improved Gaussian fit are available).

The low jitter of the optical pulse with respect to the Q-switch triggering pulse allows the reliable synchronization between the laser and external equipment. The optional second (SH) (for 532 nm), third (TH) (for 355 nm) and fourth (FH) (for 266 nm) harmonics generators provide access to shorter wavelengths.

The laser is controlled by a supplied netbook PC via USB port with application for Windows™ operating system. In addition, the main settings of the laser can be controlled through an auxiliary user-friendly remote control pad. The remote pad features a backlit display that is easy to read even when wearing laser safety eyewear. Read More.

Ekspla NL310 Series High Energy Q-switched Nd:YAG Lasers

High pulse energy Ekspla  NL310 series lasers are targeted for applications like OPO or Ti: Sapphire pumping, material processing and plasma diagnostics. These lasers can produce pulse energies up to 10 J in fundamental wavelength at 10 Hz pulse repetition rate.

The optional second (SH, 532 nm), third (TH, 355 nm), fourth (FH, 266 nm) and fifth (FiH, 213 nm) harmonic generators can be integrated into laser head or placed outside laser head into auxiliary harmonics generator module. Output wavelength switching is done manually. Motorized wavelength switching is available by request. Triggering of the laser is possible from built-in internal or external pulse generator. Pulses with TTL levels are required for external triggering. Laser pulses have less than 0.5 ns rms jitter with respect to Q-switch triggering pulse in both cases. The simple and field proven design ensures easy maintenance and reliable long-term operation of the NL310 series laser. Read more. 

Ekspla NL300D Series Q-switched Lasers for PIV

Stable output specifications, intelligent triggering and easy operation make the Ekspla  NL300D series nanosecond laser an excellent choice for most liquid and many air-based PIV (particle image velocimetry) applications. Extremely low jitter of optical pulse with respect to sync pulse allows reliable synchronization with external equipment. Read more.

Ekspla NL300 Series Compact Flash-lamp Pumped Q-switched Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's NL300 series electro-optically Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YAG lasers electro-optically Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YAG lasers produce high energy pulses with 3 – 6 ns duration. Pulse repetition rate can be selected in range of 10 – 30 Hz. Read more.

Ekspla PT200 Series Single Housing NIR-IR Range Tunable Picosecond Laser

Ekspla's PT200 series laser systems integrate a picosecond optical parametric oscillator and DPSS pump laser into a single compact housing. Mounting the components into one frame provides a cost-effective and robust solution with improved long-term stability and reduced maintenance costs.

Ekspla PGx11 Transform Limited Broadly Tunable Picosecond OPA

Ekspla's PGx11 series optical parametric devices employ advanced design concepts in order to produce broadly tunable picosecond pulses with nearly Fourier-transform limited linewidth and low divergence. High brightness output beam makes the PGx11 series units an excellent choice for advanced spectroscopy applications.

Ekspla PGx03 Picosecond kHz Repetition Rate Broadly Tunable OPA

Ekspla's PGx03 series Optical Parametric Generators (OPG) are designed to be pumped by 1 kHz mode-locked lasers with 1 W average power. An excellent choice is the PL2210A series mode‑locked picosecond laser from EKSPLA.

Ekspla SL330 Series SBS Compressed Picosecond Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's SL300 series lasersare an excellent solution for applications that require high energy picosecond pulses. Pulse compression during backward‑stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), used in EKSPLA SL300 series lasers, is a simple and cost‑efficient way to generate picosecond pulses, with the unique capability of producing pulses with tunable duration.

Ekspla SL230 Series SBS Compressed Picosecond Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's  SL 230 series lasers are excellent solution for applications, where high energy picosecond pulses are needed. Not like conventional mode-locked lasers that typically uses saturable nonlinear absorption or Kerr lensing to produce ultrafast pulses, the SL230 series lasers employ backwardstimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in liquid for the same purpose.

Innovative Design

Ekspla PL3140 Series Picosecond Nd:YLF Lasers

Ekspla Nd:YLF mode-locked PL3143 series picosecond lasers produces high energy pulses with as short as 10 ps pulse duration.

Rugged and Reliable Design

Diode pumped mode-locked quasi‑CW master oscillator produces the train of the pulses that is guided to the regenerative amplifier for further amplification. The single pulse is cavity‑dumped from regenerative amplifier and then amplified by linear amplifiers to up to 80 mJ pulse energy. The output pulse energy can be adjusted in approximately 1 % steps from 1 mJ to nominal output, at the same time pulse-to-pulse energy stability remains less than 1.5 % rms at 1053 nm.

Ekspla PL2250 Series Flashlamp Pumped Picosecond Nd:YAG Lasers

Ekspla's PL2250 series lasers set a new standard in high pulse energy picosecond lasers. Their innovative and cost-effective design improves laser reliability and reduces running and maintenance costs.

Innovative Design

The heart of the system is a diode pumped solid state (DPSS) master oscillator placed in a hermetically sealed monolithic block. The flashlamp pumped regenerative amplifier is replaced by an innovative diode pumped regenerative amplifier. Diode pumping results in negligible thermal lensing, which allows operation of the regenerative amplifier at variable repetition rates, as well as improved long-term stability and maintenance-free operation.

Ekspla PL2230 series high energy full DPSS mode-locked Nd:YAG lasers

Ekspla is proud to introduce the PL2230 Series, the first commercial fully diode pumped high pulse energy mode-locked laser, producing 28 ps pulses with up to 35 mJ (50 mJ preliminary) at 50 Hz pulse repetition rate.

Ekspla PGx01 series: High Energy Broadly Tunable Picosecond OPA

Travelling Wave Optical Parametric Generators (TWOPG) are an excellent choice for researchers who need an ultra‑fast tunable coherent light source from UV to mid IR.

Ekspla APL2100 Series High Energy Picosecond Amplifiers

Ekspla's  APL210x series amplifiers are designed to produce up to 1000 mJ picosecond pulses. High pulse energy, excellent pulse-to-pulse energy stability, superior beam quality makes APL210x series picosecond amplifiers well suited for applications like OPCPA pumping, non-linear optics and others.

Ekspla APL2200 series High Energy kHz Picosecond Amplifiers

APL2200 series amplifiers are designed to produce up to 150 mJ picosecond pulses at kilohertz pulse repetition rate. Short pulse duration, excellent pulse-to-pulse stability, superior beam quality makes APL2200 series diode pumped picosecond amplifiers well suited for applications like OPCPA pumping, non-linear optics and others.