Thorlabs' Q-Switched Picosecond Microchip Lasers are compact laser systems designed to provide a turnkey, alignment-free solution for picosecond pulses at 1030 nm or 1064 nm. This compact microchip laser cavity design with a fiber-coupled pump laser produces a high-quality beam in both our high pulse energy version (Item # QSL103A) and high repetition rate version (Item # QSL106B), giving a range of options that are ideal for a variety of material processing applications or harmonic generation. For full performance specifications, please see the Specs tab. Each picosecond laser system includes a head and a controller that have integrated drive electronics, temperature stabilization, and safety interlocks. The picosecond laser head also includes a manual-slide shutter, which can be used to cover the laser aperture.
Features
- 1030 nm or 1064 nm Center Wavelengths
- Sub-Nanosecond Pulse Duration
- Compatible with 30 mm Cage System
- Integrated Control Electronics
- Trigger Output for Pulse Monitoring
- Typical Repetition Rate of 9 kHz or 100 kHz Available
Laser Selection
Varied material processing will require different laser parameters. Producing >40 uJ pulses with around 500 ps duration, Item # QSL103A is a high peak power laser capable of high-volume material removal and efficient harmonic generation. For precision applications requiring a small mode-field diameter and high throughput, the higher repetition rate QSL106B laser with a typical repetition rate of 100 kHz is an appropriate selection. This higher repetition rate version may also be useful as a seed laser for high-power fiber amplification, lending itself toward efficient and high-volume material removal processes.
Optical Emission
The output from these sources is uncollimated and weakly divergent to allow the user control over the beam diameter. The laser head features SM05 (0.535"-40) internal threading on the beam aperture, as well as 4-40 threads for compatibility with our 30 mm cage components, as seen in the image in the far right. To compensate for any beam misalignment at the laser output, mount a collimating lens in a cage plate with XY translation.
For external beam attenuation, we recommend using Thorlabs' neutral density filters. A SHB025 diaphragm shutter mounted in a SHCP025 adapter (for cage system compatibility) can also be added in front of the laser aperture to remotely block the laser output.
Mounting
The laser head housing includes six clearance holes for mounting, including four for 8-32 (M4) cap screws and two for 1/4"-20 (M6) cap screws. When directly mounted to an optical table or breadboard, the output beam height is 0.98" (25.0 mm).
Some applications may require an increased beam height, and we recommend using the QSLB1 Base (offered separately below) as a convenient solution that provides thermal stability, as seen in the image to the right. Alternatively, the laser head can be mounted on a raised breadboard.
Electrical Connections
Each laser system is shipped with an umbilical cable for connecting the laser head and controller. This laser system integrates all required drive electronics, safety interlocks, and temperature stabilization needed for operation; a block diagram with more details can be found on the Specs tab. Note that the power supply is built into the unit and a region-specific power cord is included with each laser.
Panel Features
A trigger out (SMA female) is included on the laser head, which can be used for monitoring the output pulse and repetition rate, as well as for timing the arrival of a pulse with an electronic trigger. An indicator LED is also included for the laser emission.
All required safety features are included with the controller, including key switch, interlock pin, and momentary switch to enable the laser output; see the Front & Back Panels tab for more details on the panel features. Note that the controller front panel includes dual color (red/green) status LEDs for the TEC and laser emission status, which are designed to be visible through most safety glasses.