Ultrafast Variable Attenuators

MKS/Newport

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Newport Corp. has launched the first set in a series of ultrafast variable attenuators. Compact, robust and easy to use, they are available in manual (UVA-800-M) and motorized (UVA-800-Conex) versions and are designed to address the challenge of safely attenuating the output of ultrafast amplifiers.

The devices comprise thin-film polarizers, zero-order achromatic waveplates and high-precision optomechanics, enclosed in shuttered housings. The high-damage-threshold thin-film polarizers are prealigned in the sealed housing to minimize exposure to dust and other contaminants. They are used in conjunction with a half-waveplate to provide continuously adjustable intensity ratio splitting of the dual S- and P-polarized outputs.

The P-polarized output passes through the first polarizer with negligible beam deviation and minimal dispersion. The S-polarized output is reflected off two polarizers in a parallel offset from the fundamental, with negligible dispersion. Both outputs have polarization contrast ratios >1:450 and require no adjustment over the entire working range.

For added functionality, the sealed housing includes a manual shutter for the S-polarized port and a removable beam dump on the P-polarized port.

The motorized version rotational stage has a powered, integrated Conex controller/driver that communicates with a computer via USB port. A free Nstruct applet to control the stage is available for download from the company’s website.

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Published: May 2011