Thorlabs has announced the release of a new passively Q-switched laser producing 500ps pulses centered at 1,030nm. The microjoule-level pulse energies produced at kHz-repetition rates will allow for multiple applications including material processing, harmonic generation, lidar, photoacoustic imaging, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. A fibre-coupled pump source within the head produces exceptional beam quality for efficient micromachining applications.
With a compact footprint measuring just 3.00” x 5.37” (76.2mm x 136.3mm) and taps for 30mm cage system compatibility, this laser can be conveniently integrated into an existing system and paired with any number of Thorlabs’ cage-mounted components, including optics, motorized shutters, and galvo scanners.
This turn-key solution includes custom temperature control and laser drive electronics incorporated in a separate control unit for optimized stability and performance. For pulse monitoring an SMA trigger out is provided on the laser head for clocking simultaneous events with pulse production.
'We are very pleased with this new offering to Thorlabs’ catalog. A low-cost, high-quality picosecond laser at this energy level is sure to find applications in material processing and beyond,' noted Chris Hensley, laser development engineer at Thorlabs. 'Over the next few years, we are planning to grow this product line to include additional wavelengths, repetition rates, and higher pulse energies.'