Lastek: Photonics Technology Solutions

• Mode-hop-free tuning up to 110 nm
• Available at 950, 1050, 1320, 1470, 1500 and 1550 nm
• Up to 80 mW output power
• High resolution and wavelength accuracy
• User friendly touch screen, buttons and remote control

The Toptica CTLis the ultimate choice when looking for a laser that is widely tunable without any mode-hopping. It has high power, a narrow linewidth and high absolute and relative wavelength accuracy. Wide scans can be performed with highest resolution. With the fully digital, low noise and drift DLC pro controller, the CTL laser is easy to use and operate via touch-screen and knobs as well as via remote PC GUI and command language.

The new CTL lasers are ideally suited for applications that require large mode-hop free tuning ranges, such as the resonant excitation of small structures like quantum dots and micro-cavities. Also molecular spectroscopy and components testing will benefit from CTLs exceptional properties.

Download datasheet here.

• Mode-hop-free tuning up to 110 nm
• Available at 950, 1050, 1320, 1470, 1500 and 1550 nm
• Up to 80 mW output power
• High resolution and wavelength accuracy
• User friendly touch screen, buttons and remote control

The Toptica CTLis the ultimate choice when looking for a laser that is widely tunable without any mode-hopping. It has high power, a narrow linewidth and high absolute and relative wavelength accuracy. Wide scans can be performed with highest resolution. With the fully digital, low noise and drift DLC pro controller, the CTL laser is easy to use and operate via touch-screen and knobs as well as via remote PC GUI and command language.

The new CTL lasers are ideally suited for applications that require large mode-hop free tuning ranges, such as the resonant excitation of small structures like quantum dots and micro-cavities. Also molecular spectroscopy and components testing will benefit from CTLs exceptional properties.

Download datasheet here.

This result has been published in Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy in January 2018. 
See https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jms.2017.12.013 or http://arxiv.org/abs/1801.01342

High-resolution absorption spectroscopy of atoms and molecules is useful to improve models and for frequency calibration and stabilization. A continuous high-resolution measurement without any gaps or discontinuities requires widely mode-hop-free tunable lasers.

With TOPTICA's continuously tunable diode laser CTL, the absorption spectrum of iodine was recently recorded over the broad wavelength range between 915 and 985 nm. This high resolution measurement was performed in a single sweep and allows for providing an "iodine atlas" that contains almost 10,000 experimentally observed absorption lines with an uncertainty of only 50 MHz (corresponding to 0.0017 cm-1).

TOPTICA Photonics will present their latest innovations at Photonics West in Moscone Center, San Francisco from January 30th to February 1st.

This year, TOPTICA’s booth location moved to North Hall, booth #4645. Dedicated laser solutions for biophotonics will be presented at the BiOS exhibition on 27th and 28th January, booth 8508.

With their broad product portfolio, TOPTICA offers All Wavelengths! Complete coverage from deep-UV (190 nm) to terahertz radiation (0.1 THz, corresponding to 3 mm). These lasers support a multitude of applications in microscopy, materials metrology and quantum technology.

Munich - December 18th: TOPTICAtoday signed an updated contract with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) for the production of four more lasers to be used in the adaptive optics system of the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). The contract is an extension of a development and deployment contract for ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) and will be executed by TOPTICA Projects GmbH, a recently started TOPTICA spin-off. These unique guide star laser systems have been extensively tested at one of the major ESO telescopes in Paranal, Chile for more than two years. They will be a key component of the new ELT telescope and will help to achieve an unprecedented spatial resolution for optical/infrared ground-based telescopes. The ELT is expected to see first light in 2024.

Many polymeric materials appear – more or less – transparent for terahertz radiation. Researchers and engineers have successfully exploited this behavior for contact-free analysis and non-destructive testing. For example, pulsed terahertz radiation can uncover the thickness of an object, using an "echolocation" technique: In reflection-mode measurements, terahertz pulses strike the object under test, and its front and back side each reflect a part of the incident pulse. The time-of-flight difference, i.e. the time elapsed between the arrivals of the pulse echoes from either side, is directly proportional to the optical thickness of the layer. The method still works if the object consists of several different layers, and TOPTICA's customers have resolved layers down to 10-20 µm, even in ternary and quaternary materials.

Wilhelm Kaenders gave a “Visionary Speakers” talk on quantum science and business at FiO 2017.

Recently, Toptica's president Wilhelm Kaenders held a keynote presentation at the OSA Frontiers in Optics Conference in Washington about his vision of the future of quantum technology. He described the "small-company perspective" of the transition from laboratory-only experiments towards large projects with public interests. Read more in this article.

• Intrinsic CEP stability by DFG method (CERO)
• 8 mrad RMS phase stability in 20 s
• Best commercially available CEP-stability
• Long-term CEP drifts can be compensated
• Dual synchronized output at 1560 nm and 1030 nm or 1950 nm

The DFC SEED unit is dedicated for OPCPA and high power amplifier seeding that require phase-stable ultrashort laser pulses at 1560 nm and 1030 nm or 1950 nm. It combines an outstanding passive CEP stability which challenges the best Ti:sapph lasers with the convenience and robustness of a fiber laser. Long-term drifts of the CEP that are caused by a subsequent amplifier chain can be compensated through a dedicated feedback channel. The repetition rate frep of the DFC SEED can be synchronized to any appropriate reference.

Download detailed brochure here.

• Rack-mounted
• Complete, stabilized laser systems
• Up to 8 cw-outputs between 420 - 2200 nm
• One central software
• Transportable

TOPTICA's offset-free frequency comb DFC (Difference Frequency Comb) and tunable cw diode lasers (DL pro) can be combined into easy-to-use laser systems delivering frequency-stable cw-output at any wavelength between 420 nm and 2200 nm. A complete laser system contains a DFC CORE, wavelength extensions (DFC EXT), cw diode lasers (DL pro), beat units (DFC BC, DFC MD), all necessary stabilization electronics, a wavelength meter (High Finesse), RF-reference, counter, spectrum analyzer, control server (PC) and user software.

All these components can now be integrated into a single transportable 19-inch rack. The standard system comes with two frequency stable cw-outputs and all required accessories. The control software runs on an integrated PC acting as server, it can be operated remotely using the client GUI. The laser frequencies can be set manually within the comb extension and DL pro bandwidth and are displayed live by the software.

Download pdf Product Brochure here.

• Based on mode-locked Erbium fiber laser
• Offset-free by difference frequency generation
• Patented CERO (“zero-fCEO”) technology
• CORE unit with 4 or 8 outputs at 1560 nm
• Optional extensions for frequency conversion

The CORE unit of TOPTICA’s Difference Frequency Comb (DFC) consists of a low noise mode-locked oscillator, a fiber-optic amplifier, a nonlinear fiber for supercontinuum generation, a CERO unit for difference frequency generation (DFG) and a fiber-optic pre-amplifier. The DFC CORE provides 4 or 8 fCEO-stabilized outputs at 1560 nm. Each output can seed a user-defined extension as specified on the DFC Extensions section. It comes with integrated radio frequency reference and dedicated frep locking electronics. A beat monitoring unit comprising a laptop and a digital scope with spectrum analyzer mode allows for convenient monitoring and analysis of locking beats.

Download brochure here.

TOPTICA’s frequency comb product line is a modular system that supports a broad variety of applications. Three basic versions of the DFC are available: DFC CORE, DFC CORE+ and DFC SEED. All models use TOPTICA proprietary CERO-technology to achieve an unprecedented low-noise performance.

The DFC CORE and its high performance version DFC CORE+ come with a digital oscilloscope for beat monitoring and a GPS disciplined RF reference included. They both provide 4 or optionally 8 phase-stable outputs at 1560 nm.

Several extension modules are available that can convert the DFC CORE / DFC CORE+ outputs to any wavelength between 420 nm and 2200 nm. The extension modules can be upgraded at any time after purchase of the DFC CORE and are interchangeable between outputs.

In addition, beam combiner (DFC BC) and beat detector (DFC MD) units are available to provide RF beats between the DFC comb lines and cw lasers. The RF output signal of the DFC MD can be counted to determine the frequency of the cw laser. It also enables phase or frequency stabilization of the cw laser to the DFC using e.g. TOPTICA’s locking modules mFALC or DigiLock. In the DFC CORE+ version, the RF output signal can also be used to stabilize the DFC to the cw laser which serves as optical reference.

Such a DFC system can be combined with any of TOPTICA’s tunable diode lasers to achieve a complete, frequency referenced laser system including wavelength meter and counter all from one source.

TOPTICA’s frequency comb product line is a modular system that supports a broad variety of applications. Three basic versions of the DFC are available: DFC CORE, DFC CORE+ and DFC SEED. All models use TOPTICA proprietary CERO-technology to achieve an unprecedented low-noise performance.

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has initiated a strategy process within the field of quantum technologies that stressed the importance of this field for economy and science in Germany. This assessment is in accordance with European and international evaluation. In order to implement first results of the strategy process, the BMBF has selected three pilot projects addressing important developments in quantum technologies. The first pilot project “optIclock - optical single ion clock” has started in May 2017.

Wide mode-hop-free tuning is important for many exciting applications: for example resonant excitation of small structures like quantum dots and micro-cavities as well as molecular spectroscopy or components testing. TOPTICA is specialized in tunable diode lasers with excellent precision, reliability and ease-of-use.

For example, TOPTICA’s CTL – continuously tunable laser – enables mode-hop-free tuning of up to 110 nm at several central wavelengths. Wide scans can be performed with highest resolution and narrow linewidth, and CTL features high absolute and relative wavelength accuracy as well as high power.

In combination with its fully digital controller DLC pro, the CTL laser is easy to use and operate via touch-screen and knobs as well as via remote PC GUI and command language. The low noise and drift levels of the controller make the CTL series even more stable and lowest-noise.

• Broadband mid-IR laser source (> 400 cm-1)
• Wavelengths 5 – 15 µm (20 - 60 THz / 670 - 2000 cm-1)
• Output Power > 0.5 mW (integrated spectrum)
• SAM mode-locked all PM fiber setup
• User friendly turnkey operation

The new Toptica FemtoFiber dichro midIR represents an ideal laser source for mid-infrared spectroscopy and imaging. It provides a tunable broadband output in the wavelength range of 5 to 15 µm (20 - 60 THz, 670 - 2000 cm-1). The unique 400 cm-1 broad emission spectra allow to excite a wide range of materials at the same time.  The air-cooled system is based on TOPTICAs proprietary fiber laser technologies and includes a difference frequency generation (DFG) unit as well as all necessary electronics into the same box. All functions and features are computer controllable by Ethernet or USB interfaces.

Download pdf brochure here.

Four units of TOPTICA’s laser guide star system “SodiumStar 20/2” project powerful orange beams into the air in Chile’s Atacama desert at the VLT. (Credit: ESO/F. Kamphues)

On September 9th 2016, TOPTICA’s guide star laser SodiumStar 20/2 was rewarded with the third place of the highly prestigious Laser Research Innovation Award presented by the Berthold Leibinger Stiftung. The “Guide Star Alliance”, consisting of TOPTICA Photonics AG (Germany), MPB Communications Inc. (Canada) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO), developed a novel high power laser system over a period of more than seven years serving as Guide Star for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) and other Large and Extremely Large Telescopes (ELT). This technology is a very long sought for key component for the construction of modern, earth-based telescopes and it has created already a large impact in the performance, reliability and maintenance of such high-tech devices.

TOPTICA is providing a free upgrade for DLC pro systems through a software update. The upgrade features a power stabilization feature for all types of supported lasers (DL pro, TA pro, SHG pro, CTL). Moreover, it provides access to the FFT (fast Fourier transform) display to DLC pro systems without the Locking Option.

Four units of TOPTICA’s laser guide star system “SodiumStar 20/2” project powerful orange beams into the air in Chile’s Atacama desert. Due to Rayleigh scattering, the SodiumStar laser beams are visible up to a height of a few tens of kilometres. When they enter the sodium layer at about 100 km altitude, they generate an artificial star used for adaptive optics correction.  

On April 26th, the impressive Four-Laser Guide Star Facility (4LGSF) was fully operational for the first time at the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the Paranal Observatory in Chile. During the preceding verification phase, a team of TOPTICA and ESO engineers successfully completed the required system tests. This is a major step towards the completion of the Adaptive Optics Facility (AOF) and evident proof of the capability of TOPTICA’s ground-breaking guide star solution.

TOPTICA’s frequency-doubled diode lasers now reach 2 Watts output power at 560 nm wavelength with several nanometers tuning range, allowing to use diode laser-based technology around 560 nm with high power.

TOPTICA has released a new class of multi-Watt laser sources for use in the laboratory but also opening up opportunities for future OEM integration. Based on the TA-SHG pro product line, a resonantly frequency-doubled tapered amplified diode laser, more than 2 Watts of single frequency output covering the spectral range from 550 nm to 565 nm are now available. The dramatic leap towards higher power levels is possible due to proprietary tapered amplifier technology, modified electrical & thermal management and further improvements of the frequency-doubling resonator technology.

TOPTICA’s new frequency comb DFC is the ultimate choice for ultra-precise measurements and frequency referencing.  

New products to be shown at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from February 13th – 18th 2016 include ultra-stable diode lasers and powerful femtosecond fiber lasers, as well as frequency combs and terahertz systems. These systems enable a variety of demanding applications in biophotonics and microscopy, materials and test & measurement, in addition to quantum optics and spectroscopy.

Low-noise frequency combs with record stability

TOPTICA’s frequency comb DFC-CORE is the ultimate reference for optical frequencies and it convinces with completely new technology compared to previous systems. The DFC is now available in a compact one-box format including electronics. The fiber-based system uses difference frequency generation (DFG) to create an offset-free output at 1550 nm, and no active stabilization of the offset frequency is necessary. Due to this rock-solid passive operation, the DFC-CORE achieves an unprecedented low phase noise of less than 32 mrad in a spectral interferometry measurement. Consequently, when locked to an RF reference, its high stability results in an unrivaled deviation of less than 1x10-13 in one second. The DFC-CORE allows for complete frequency-stabilized laser systems, including the frequency comb, wavelength extensions and diode lasers referenced to the comb.

TOPTICA’s FemtoFiber ultra NIR provides powerful femtosecond pulses of more than 500 mW and less than 150 fs at 780 nm.

The FemtoFiber ultra NIR from TOPTICA is a cost-effective, turnkey laser system that provides femtosecond laser pulses of more than 500 mW average power and an excellent beam quality. It is a powerful solution for applications in nonlinear microscopy like effective two-photon excitation of fluorescent proteins and SHG based contrast mechanisms, as well as micro-lithography. Experiments in fundamental physics will also benefit from the high output power of the laser. It provides pulses with a spectrum centered at 780 nm and a duration below 150 fs.

The system integrates a patented SESAM-mode-locked fiber-ring oscillator and a new high-power fiber amplifier. Polarization-maintaining, active fibers are used in order to maintain the highest reliability levels. Based on a fundamental wavelength of 1560 nm with a repetition rate of 80 MHz for oscillator and amplifier, the FemtoFiber ultra NIR uses a frequency-doubling stage, which converts the amplified output spectrum to 780 nm. Due to a highly efficient frequency-conversion process, more than 500 mW average power is available at 780 nm with a clean TEM00-mode free-space output.

TOPTICA presents new iChrome SLE multi-laser engine for multi-color microscopy and other biophotonics applications.

When it comes to light sources for biophotonics, one has had to choose between stability and flexibility.  Even though home built breadboard solutions with standard laser modules enable flexibility, they are prone to misalignment and pose a challenge when integrated into a system as different lasers, AOTF’s and other components need to be controlled. In contrast, miniaturized fixed systems are stable, but lack many of the advanced features and the flexibility often needed for advanced biophotonics applications.

The new multi-laser engine iChrome SLE offers both stability and flexibility in one package. TOPTICA’s proprietary unmatched COOLAC self-alignment technology is integrated into this advanced platform - combining up to 8 laser wavelengths, fiber switching technology for SM/PM fibers, AOTF and direct diode modulation plus field serviceable laser cartridges. In addition, TOPTICA’s uniform interface makes integration into applications extremely user-friendly.

TOPTICA expands their portfolio of ultrafast fiber-based laser systems.

TOPTICA's new FemtoFiber pro SCYb provides laser pulses with a center wavelength of 1030 nm and a duration below 100 fs. The turnkey system delivers typically 700 mW average output power making it the ideal laser source for specific applications in nonlinear microscopy or terahertz generation.

The new, all-fiber high-power laser system is based on a very stable, SAM mode-locked Er-doped oscillator operating at 1560 nm. The oscillator output is frequency-shifted towards 1030 nm using a nonlinear fiber. Yb-doped fiber amplifiers level up the power to typically 700 mW at the laser output. The system also includes a small grating compressor unit to achieve transform-limited output pulses of typically 90-100 fs, with more than 70 % of the total power in the main peak. It operates at a repetition rate of 80 MHz and provides a TEM00-beam shape with M2<1.2 and a beam diameter of 2 mm.

Fig.1: Experimental setup for time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Beam paths of femtosecond exci-tation laser (red) and detection path (yellow) in orthogonal geometry.  

Time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy provides crucial insight into ultrafast processes in semiconductors, fluorescent biomolecules and organic compounds. In this application note we experimentally demonstrate this technique by using a combination of an ultrastable TOPTICA femtosecond fiber laser and a Hamamatsu streak camera to accurately derive the fluorescence decay constants of the dye IR 820 in different solvents. The system can be adapted easily to a broad spectral range by using frequency converted fiber lasers of the FemtoFiber pro series.

The DFC uses CERO-technology to achieve a reliable and offset-free frequency comb with a passive frequency-offset stabilization.

Long lasting experience with ultrafast fiber lasers enables TOPTICA to introduce a completely new frequency comb to the market. The offset-free system DFC is based on patented technology that achieves an unprecedented passive stability. It is the smart solution for complex experiments requiring highest accuracy and reliability regarding optical frequencies.

TOPTICA’s difference frequency comb DFC operates with CERO technology (“zero-vCEO”) which obtains a phase-stable laser output with an inherently vanishing frequency offset. To achieve this, femtosecond laser pulses centered at 1560 nm are generated with a mode-locked Er3+-doped fiber-oscillator. Subsequent amplification and coherent spectral broadening of the pulses in a nonlinear fiber creates a broad supercontinuum.

The FemtoFiber dichro design bioMP provides synchronized sub-100 fs pulses at two different wavelengths.

A groundbreaking concept in ultrafast laser technology, the Toptica FemtoFiber dichro design bioMP, offers two perfectly synchronized laser beams at different wavelengths out of one box, emitted through the same aperture! This dual-color laser system provides pulses centered at 780 nm with above 100 mW and at 1030 nm with above 200 mW, both with durations below 100 fs – at a repetition rate of 80 MHz. Easy tuning of temporal and spatial overlap of both beams and all laser parameters can be conveniently accessed via remote control. Best of all? Everything is integrated into an ultra-compact alignment-free turnkey system!

Simultaneous live-cell multi-color two-photon imaging with two or three wavelengths and two-photon excitation of all conventional fluorescent markers are straightforward with the FemtoFiber dichro design bioMP. Adjustment of the delay between the two laser pulses enables a variation of the absorption modes. If the pulses have no temporal overlap, two identical photons excite one set of fluorophore independently. For overlapping pulses one photon of each color contributes to transitions centered around twice the energy of a photon with 888 nm. This scheme can be used to efficiently excite GFP and other fluorophores with a two-photon excitation maximum around 900 nm. 

The digital DLC TA-SHG pro offers unprecedented convenience and best specifications for challenging experiments with frequency-converted tunable diode lasers.  

New conveniences for working with frequency-converted diode lasers!

TOPTICA’s latest DLC TA-SHG pro systems offer the lowest noise levels, narrowest linewidths and a simpler way to manage laser operation. Thanks to new, automated functions these systems revolutionize the daily work with frequency-converted lasers.

Intelligent, automated alignment features integrated directly into the laser head transform the work with lasers: With the push of a button, the AutoAlign option re-optimizes the SHG system output power by maximizing the coupling efficiency of the laser into the TA chip and the SHG resonator via built-in intelligence and servo-controlled flexure mirror mounts. The PowerLock option automatically compensates residual drifts caused by changing environmental conditions, offering unvarying stable laser output with constant power. Fiber-coupled systems using the FiberMon option can monitor the optical power coupled to the SHG output fiber. In combination with the FiberMon option, AutoAlign and PowerLock are also available for fiber-coupled systems.

Download TOPTICA's Optics Calculator for smartphones! With this App you will have the most important calculations and conversions from different areas of laser optics always at hand.

ToptiCalc is TOPTICA's scientific calculator specially designed for use in optics laboratories. It offers frequently used calculations from different areas of laser optics. For many years the PC-version has been a popular tool for those of you working in research facilities and optics labs. Now ToptiCalc is finally available also for smartphones (both Android and iPhone). And the best thing: It's absolutely free!

• Free download (for PC, Android, iPhone)
• Spectral unit conversion
• Fabry-Perot calculations
• Pulse train calculations
• Short pulse properties and chirp, etc.

TOPTICA introduces a new family of continuously tunable diode lasers

TOPTICA introduces a new family of diode lasers: the Continuously Tunable Lasers, CTL, for applications requiring a large mode-hop free tuning range with the best spectroscopic quality. The new family of CTL diode lasers permits mode-hop free tuning across the full gain spectrum of the integrated laser diode – while providing the highest resolution, narrow linewidth (< 100 kHz), renowned stability and ease-of-use of TOPTICA lasers. The first two versions of the CTL are available at 950 nm and 1570 nm, with continuous tuning from 915 – 985 nm and 1530 – 1620 nm, respectively. The single-mode TEM00 lasers provide an absolute wavelength accuracy of better than 100 pm, a repeatability better than 10 pm and output powers of up to 80 mW, more than twice the output power of comparable lasers.

Read more

TOPTICA’s Laser Development Successfully Completed as Pathfinder for Future Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs)

March 28, 2014: Over the course of the last three years, TOPTICA has developed a new generation of sodium guide star lasers to be deployed at ESO’s Adaptive Optics Facility at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Paranal, Chile. Until August 2014, TOPTICA will complete the delivery of four such lasers plus one spare unit to the European Southern Observatory (ESO), hoping for first light on the sky in Paranal in early 2015.

The newly developed laser systems consist of a narrow band and tun-able diode laser with 50 mW output power at 1178 nm, a Raman Fiber Amplifier stage developed by MPB Communications of Canada and a subsequent resonant frequency doubling stage. The output frequency is actively locked to a high resolution precision wavelength meter (HighFi-nesse GmbH). The work was performed under a multi-year ESO devel-opment contract using the ESO EFRA license for the amplifier step. 

With TOPTICA’s DLC pro, high-end laser control now enters the digital world! The new digital laser controller for TOPTICA’s tunable diode laser DL pro sets new benchmarks with regards to low noise and low drift levels. It provides intuitive touch control and powerful remote operation to run and frequency stabilize the laser. Never before was the use of tunable diode lasers, e.g. for demanding experiments in quantum optics and spectroscopy, so convenient.

Prof. Immanuel Bloch and Prof. Markus Greiner are the winners of the BEC Awards 2013. 

Professor Immanuel Bloch receives the senior BEC Award 2013 for his “pioneering experimental contributions to the field of quantum many?body physics with cold atoms in optical lattices”. The junior BEC Award 2013 goes to Professor Markus Greiner, for his work on “imaging two-dimensional quantum gases in optical lattices with single-atom resolution”. The awards will be presented during the Bose–Einstein Conference in Sant Feliu, Spain, 7–13 September 2013.

TOPTICA Photonics AG is proudly supporting the BEC awards in order to recognize the ever astonishing advances in the field of Quantum Degenerate Gases. The awards are given to a Senior and a Junior academic leader in the field, nominated and selected from within the BEC community itself.

Read more

The Senior and Junior BEC Awards 2013 honor outstanding research in Experimental and/or Theoretical Physics of Quantum Degenerate Atomic Gases. The senior prize recognizes work that is firmly established and has significantly advanced the field of quantum degenerate gases. The Junior Prze recognizes outstanding work by a young scientist for independent research early in his or her academic career. Each prize consists of a 2,500 Euro cash award, and a certificate citing the contributions of the recipients. The prizes are awarded under the auspices of the biannual BEC conference and are sponsored by Toptica Photonics AG. Full details here.

TOPTICA’s new TopModediode lasers provide high-power, high-coherence mode-hop free operation. At blue-violet wavelengths, they achieve the highest single-frequency output power of any direct diode-based system while still operating as easily as a HeNe laser.

The TopMode lasers feature a spectral width of less than 5 MHz, translating into a coherence length greater than 25 m. TOPTICA’s proprietary CHARM (CoHerence-Advanced Regulation Method) technology actively stabilizes the lasers’ coherence and ensures continuous single-frequency operation.

CHARM eliminates mode-hops and prevents sudden step changes of the laser power or frequency. This results in an excellent stability of the diode laser and enables accurate measurements in demanding laser-based inspection and metrology tasks (e.g. interferometry, holography, scatterometry and Raman spectroscopy). Setting an industry record, the 405 nm TopMode offers as much as 100 mW output power. At the well-established HeNe wavelength of 633 nm, the corresponding model provides an output of 30 mW. Other available wavelengths are 445 nm, 515 nm, 488 nm and 685 nm. Users can choose between a free-beam output and optional fiber-coupling, realized with TOPTICA’s patented SmartDock™ coupler.

FemtoFErb 780 – compact all-fiber laser with < 100 fs pulse width and > 50 mW at 780 nm.  

Most compact and cost effective ultrafast fiber laser for terahertz and biophotonics

TOPTICA’s new FemtoFErb 780, a turnkey laser system, delivers 50 mW average power at 780 nm center wavelength with a pulse duration of less than 100 fs at a repetition rate of 100 MHz. Based on polarization-maintaining Erbium-doped fibers and saturable absorber mirror (SAM) mode-locking technology, the all-fiber system features a compact SHG unit and comes with a free-beam output. Combining optics with the entire control electronics on a footprint of only 202 x 122 x 69 mm3 makes the FemtoFErb 780 the most compact fs-fiber laser commercially available. A perfect match for the requirements of time-domain terahertz, the FemtoFErb 780 also provides an ideal seeding source for Ti:Sapphire systems. In addition, this cost-effective replacement for bulky solid-state lasers suits various applications in biophotonics, ranging from SHG microscopy to multi-photon excitation.

• Up to 100 mW single-frequency, tunable output
• Standard wavelengths 405, 425, and 633 nm
• Other wavelengths 370 .. 640 nm on request
• Extremely stable, low drift
• Linewidth < 2 MHz

The DL pro HP diode laser features a special resonator design, which allows for higher single-mode output powers from "visible" laser diodes. Manual coarse tuning of the wavelength is possible across the gain spectrum of the diode (for blue diodes approx.  2-3 nm) and mode-hop free fine tuning up to 50 GHz. Standard models are available at 405, 425 nm, and 633 nm; other wavelengths between 370 and 640 nm can be provided on request. The laser features various modulation inputs and includes an isolator. Fiber coupled versions are optionally available.

TOPTICAintroduces the new TeraFlash system, a table-top platform for time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. The all-fibre design is based on mature 1.5 µm telecom technology, combining TOPTICA’s established femtosecond fibre lasers and state-of-the-art InGaAs antennas.

Using a highly precise delay stage, the TeraFlash achieves a peak dynamic range of more than 70 dB. Users can choose between a “precisescan” mode and a “fast scan” mode. In “precise scan” mode a bandwidth of 4 THz and a resolution better than 10 GHz are attained. Alternatively, in “fast scan” mode, a pulse trace is acquired in only 50 ms. The fibre-coupled antenna modules can be conveniently arranged, depending on the needs of the experiment. Integrated in the system is TOPTICA’s FemtoFErb 1560, the most compact ultrafast laser on the market. The SAM mode-locked fibre oscillator and the usage of polarization-maintaining fibres ensure a high robustness and alignment-free, “hands-off” operation. The TeraFlash system is a perfect solution for applications such as high-bandwidth spectroscopy (e.g. of explosives or liquid crystals) and industrial process control.

TOPTICAintroduces the new TeraFlash system, a table-top platform for time-domain terahertz spectroscopy. The all-fibre design is based on mature 1.5 µm telecom technology, combining TOPTICA’s established femtosecond fibre lasers and state-of-the-art InGaAs antennas.

Using a highly precise delay stage, the TeraFlash achieves a peak dynamic range of more than 70 dB. Users can choose between a “precisescan” mode and a “fast scan” mode. In “precise scan” mode a bandwidth of 4 THz and a resolution better than 10 GHz are attained. Alternatively, in “fast scan” mode, a pulse trace is acquired in only 50 ms. The fibre-coupled antenna modules can be conveniently arranged, depending on the needs of the experiment. Integrated in the system is TOPTICA’s FemtoFErb 1560, the most compact ultrafast laser on the market. The SAM mode-locked fibre oscillator and the usage of polarization-maintaining fibres ensure a high robustness and alignment-free, “hands-off” operation. The TeraFlash system is a perfect solution for applications such as high-bandwidth spectroscopy (e.g. of explosives or liquid crystals) and industrial process control.

ESO’s portable guide star laser unit in operation during field tests at the Allgäu Public Observatory (courtesy: Timm Kasper).  

The SodiumStar 20/2, a novel approach to guide star laser technology will be on display at the SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation conference in Amsterdam (July 1 to 4, 2012). This laser system was developed by TOPTICA jointly with the Canadian company MPB Communications and is based on the approach pursued by the laser group of the European Southern Observatory (ESO). A preproduction unit has successfully undergone extensive qualification testing (performance, lifetime, climate chamber: high and low temperature, altitude, EMC, transport climate, shock and vibration) to prove that it is able to cope with the harsh environmental conditions at its final destination at Cerro Paranal, Chile.

We currently have at Lastek a Toptica Femtofibre Pro laser that is available for the next few months for trials and demos. This is a very compact , robust and simple to operate, SESAM modelocked femtosecond laser.

TOPTICA’s high-power, narrow-band diode lasers now provide an expanded color spectrum thanks to newly developed Tapered Amplifiers (TAs). These TAs are available exclusively from TOPTICA and allow for new IR, visible and UV wavelengths!

With the novel TA-chips, TOPTICA’s high-power diode laser TA pro now offers output power up to 400 mW around 685 nm and up to 2 W between 1120 nm and 1190 nm. And the frequency-converted systems TA­SHG pro and TA-FHG pro now provide the highest output power also in the green-yellow (560 ­ 595 nm) and the UV (280 ­ 297 nm) spectral range. The newly developed TAs replace previously required fiber amplifiers and create a less complex setup for high output power at these wavelengths. These systems generate output power of up to 1000 mW easily and economically.

Major applications benefit from these new systems: laser cooling of stronti-um (689 nm), erbium (583 nm), sodium (589 nm) or magnesium (285 nm); optical clocks based on ytterbium (578 nm) or magnesium ions (281 nm); and high-resolution spectroscopy (e.g. europium yttrium orthosilicate, 580 nm).

Toptica have released their all new 2012 "Lasers for Scientific Challenges" Catalogue. Download here.

The FemtoFiber smart family is TOPTICA ’s new series of ultrafast fibre lasers. These systems are dedicated to applications ranging from biopho-tonics to terahertz generation and two-photon polymerization. Optimized for a compact footprint uniting optics and electronics in one box, these robust all-fibre lasers are the perfect choice for flexible OEM integration. 

Dr. Ian Spielman and Prof. Gora Shlyapnikov honored for their 
contributions to the field of Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC) 

During the Bose-Einstein Conference in Sant Feliu (Spain), Dr. Jürgen Stuhler (TOPTICA Photonics AG) presented the two BEC Awards 2011, to Prof. Gora Shlyapnikov (recipient of the Senior Award) and to Dr. Ian Spielman (recipient of the Junior award). The two prices honor “outstanding research in Experimental and/or Theoretical Physics of Quantum Degenerate Atomic Gases”. They are awarded biannually during the BEC Conference Series and are presented  to a Senior and a Junior academic leader in the field, selected by an independent international Jury. “TOPTICA sponsors the price in order to recognize the ever astonishing advances in the field of Quantum Degenerate Gases and the impact this has had on the development of our company”, Wilhelm Kaenders CEO of TOPTICA Photonics stated. “We stay committed to this exciting field of research also for the future and are proud to contribute with these newly founded awards.” 

miniMOT – create your own laser cooled atomic cloud.

TOPTICA Photonics AG – key supplier of lasers, locking electronics and spectroscopy units for laser cooling experiments – have announced, in cooperation with ColdQuanta Inc., the release of the first commercial Magneto Optical Trap kit . A magneto-optical trap (MOT) – the most popular laser cooling and trapping setup – requires a vacuum system with optical access that contains the atomic species to be trapped and a magnetic quadrupole field. All this is now available in a compact setup. Together with narrow linewidth, frequency stabilized TOPTICA lasers (TA pro, DL pro, DL DFB), spectroscopy modules and locking electronics, a running MOT can easily be realized. Laser-cooled and trapped atoms are modern instruments for high precision measurements, fundamental research and student education.

Diode-based system for laser cooling of sodium

The latest addition to TOPTICA ’s SHG pro series of frequency-converted diode lasers is a novel continuous-wave system with an output power of 2 Watt at 589 nm. The new DL RFA SHG pro features a linewidth of less than 1 MHz and a mode hop free tuning range of more than 10 GHz and is thus ideally suited for laser cooling of sodium. It presents a stable and easy-to-use alternative to the intricate dye lasers used previously that required frequent maintenance and water cooling.

Toptica's Digilock 110 Digital Laser Stabilization System offers the ideal versatile solution for laser control, characterisation, stabilization and analysis. Now, a series of video tutorials have been released online by Toptica. If you're new to the Digilock series, or wondering if this is the right tool for you, this three part series will be of interest. Part 1 give an overview and introduction to the technique. Part 2 introduces you to a simple locking technique using the PID modul. Part 3 covers gradually increases the complexity of the set-up and introdduces some more advanced techniques.

TOPTICA presents direct diode technology at 515 nm . So far, the green wavelength regime has not been accessible directly with laser diodes. Integrated in TOPTICA’s OEM diode laser iBeam smart, the new wavelength was recently demonstrated live at Photonics West. Other newly available wavelengths are 395 nm (120 mW), 420 nm (120 mW) and 460 nm (100 mW). Furthermore high power versions of 445 nm (100 mW) and 473 nm (80 mW) are available starting now. These new wavelengths will be integrated in the iBeam smart, the new fiber-pigtailed diode laser iBeam smart PT and TOPTICA’s new multi laser engine, the iChrome MLE.

TOPTICA presents new cw THz System with 1.5 µm lasers

At the recent Photonics West exhibition, TOPTICA Photonics presented the most compact frequency-domain terahertz spectrometer built to-date. The system combines TOPTICA’s new TeraBeam, a highly integrated twocolor diode laser, with newly developed InGaAs/InP emitter and detector technology (Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute, Berlin, Germany).

The new cw THz system features a fast scan option, which reduces the acquisition times in cw THz spectroscopy by more than two orders of magnitude and acquires a complete THz spectrum (e.g. 50-1200 GHz, sub-GHz resolution) in less than a minute. Thus far, research in the field of frequency-domain (cw) terahertz has largely been carried out with GaAs photomixers, requiring laser wavelengths below 870 nm. Whilst excellent results in terms of bandwidth and signal quality have been obtained, the complexity of the optical source and a variety of non-standard optical components resulted in a price level inadequate for widespread industrial use.

TOPTICA is presenting a tunable “ultra compressed pulse” (UCP) model of the successful FemtoFiber pro series. The system provides a supercontinuum between 980 – 1400 nm and more than 30 mW output power. It features pulse durations even below 25 fs, the shortest one can get on the market from a modelocked fiber laser system. The system is ideally suited for biophotonics, pump-probe experiments or fs-spectroscopy.

TOPTICA’s new FemtoFErb is a turnkey laser system providing 100 mW average power at 1560 nm and a pulse duration of less than 150 fs at 100 MHz repetition rate. Using the same compact platform as TOPTICA’s PicoFYb, the FemtoFErb is a robust all-fiber setup based on Erbium doped fiber and saturable absorber mirror mode-locking (SAM) technology. The compact system includes all necessary control electronics and is equipped with a direct polarization maintaining fiber output interface. The FemtoFErb is an ideal solution for Time-Domain Terahertz generation or for metrology applications allowing highest accuracy laser-based distance measurements.

Also recently released: The new FemtoFiber pro UCP provides a super-continuum between 980 – 1400 nm and more than 30 mW output power. It shows pulse durations even below 25 fs, the fastest one can get on the market from a turnkey SAM modelocked fiber laser system. The system is ideally suited for biophotonics, pump-probe experiments or fs?spectroscopy. The UCP option expands TOPTICA’s successful FemtoFiber proseries and will be live demonstrated at the forthcoming Ultrafast Phenomena conference exhibition.

Lastek's Andrew Gibson-White visitted Swinburne University's Centre for Atom Optics and Ultrafast Spectroscopy this week on behalf of Toptica. His pleasant task was to present Dr Chris Vale, the winner of Toptica's recent global competition, with his brand new iPad. Our photographer captured the moment when Andrew (above left) presented the iPad to Chris (right). Chris kindly thanked Toptica, and said he was "surprised, and very excited" to learn that his entry had been the one drawn out of the hundreds of entries received. Congratulations Chris!

Orange Laser Guide Star in operation at the Very Large Telescope VLT of ESO, on the top of mountain Cerro Paranal in Chile.

The Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) at Paranal, Chile, will be equipped with four cw high power Laser Guide Stars on the basis of amplified and frequency-doubled diode laser systems. Narrow band and diffraction-limited laser light sources of more than 20 W exactly on Sodium resonance at 589 nm start a new phase at the European Southern Observatory. Against strong international competitors, TOPTICA won now the final development and supply contract which foresees a deployment of the lasers at the telescope in Sept 2013.

TOPTICA, drawing on its many years of experience in the field of narrow band and tunable diode laser, has joined forces with the Canadian company MPB Communications. A combination of a novel narrow-band Raman fiber amplifier approach at 1178 nm developed by MPBC subsequently is converted to 589 nm by resonantly enhanced frequency-doubling technology. Based on TOPTICA’s scientific product series, conversion efficiencies of more than 80 % have been demonstrated.

Toptica'sTA / FA SHG pro – Frequency Doubled, High Power Tunable Diode Laser received anhonourable mention at the recent 2010 CLEO/Laser Focus World Innovation Awards.

The judges recognised Toptica for "the creation of a tunable, narrow-linewidth, high-power (30 W), 589 nm yellow laser for guide star , spectroscopy, LIDAR, phototherapy, and other visible and near-IR applications."

Toptica have launched an all-new website. Like their products, it bristles with smart design and crisp engineering. It includes detailed product descriptions, as one would expect, in addition to many extras including extensive applications notes (in quantum optics, biophotonics, microscopy, terahertz and semicon inspection), a seriously helpful "Laserfinder" feature, and a library of very detailed troubleshooting guides and technical manuals.

Dr. Thomas Renner, VP Sales & Marketing said: "We are quite excited about the new key visual from the field of snooker and billiards. It perfectly symbolizes the world of colorful photons and atoms, physics, our company logo and last but not least our slogan A Passion for Precision.” OPTICA engaged 5 time German champion and TOPTICA neighbor Thomas Gollowitsch as billiard model.

And if all of that is not quite enough to encourage visitors to click through to the new site, Toptica have hidden a small picture of Albert Einstein, somewhere on one of the many online pages. If you can find it, you're in the running to win a free iPad . We're still looking.

Basic modules of the modular electronic system for operation of diode lasers are current and temperature controls. Other add-on modules are available. The range of products is steadily growing due to acute customer demand.

 The complete terahertz portfolio! TOPTICA takes pride in being the only company worldwide that offers pulsed and cw lasers for terahertz spectroscopy, as well as all-electronic 3D imaging systems. Our products comprise:

• DFB diode lasers for cw terahertz generation;
• Femtosecond fiber lasers for pulsed terahertz generation;
• All-electronic systems for millimeter-wave imaging.

• Tunable diode laser in pro design
• Wide wavelength selection available: 370 nm .. 1770 nm
• Output powers up to 300 mW
• Ultra stable, typical linewidth 100 kHz .. 1 MHz (5 µs)
• Very low drift with room temperature changes (typ. << 100 MHz/K)
• Insensitive to acoustics and vibrations
• Easy coarse tuning up to 100 nm
• Mode-hop-free  tuning up to 50 GHz (optimized virtual pivot point)
• Beam angle compensation mirror included
• Fast AC and DC current modulation included

The DL 100 / pro design combines the advantages of two successful TOPTICA lasers: all diodes for the DL 100 are available in the superior mechanical design of the pro series . The pro series mechanics is ultra stable and easy to use. The DL 100 / pro design specifications depend strongly on the implemented laser diode and are given in TOPTICA’s laser diode stock lists.

Specify your wavelength – Toptica can provide it.

TOPTICA offers a large variety of wavelength-selected single-mode laser diodes from stock. Among more standard laser diodes, you will find "pearls" such as 397 nm, 715 nm or 1120 nm right from our stocklist, wavelengths for which we are probably the only supplier in the world.

TOPTICA can integrate any diode from the stock lists into a tunable diode laser system, however, you can also purchase the diode separately. Each type of diode is carefully tested in an external cavity laser configuration with respect to coarse tuning range, mode-hop-free tuning range and power limits. The results are disclosed on request to the customer in a detailed datasheet.

In case you can still not match your wavelength of choice, call us – and chances are very high that we can provide it within very short time.

Nice price diodes are either diodes, that have been superseded by better diodes or that do not run nicely in ECDL setups. Nice price diodes will not be integrated into ECDLs by TOPTICA.

In these downloads you will find wavelengths, output powers and part numbers on our regularly updated stock lists. Give us a call and we will make a reservation for the particular diode of choice for you.

It's been a busy year for innovation at Toptica Photonics, who have recently released a swag of new products. Click on links to read  the news releases describing:

New iBeam Smart: The ultra-compact diode laser

New FemtoFibre Pro : Next generation of femtosecond fibre lasers

pro Series Completed: Best specifications and hands-off operation

new OEM 325nm Diode Laser : Toptica break through the wavelength/power curve

new cw Terahertz Spectroscopy kit : Integrating leading edge photomixer technology

TOPTICA offers the widest wavelength coverage for diode lasers. The  Research Grade Diode Lasers cater to the vast majority of spectroscopic  applications in physics, chemistry and life sciences. Tunable single-mode and single-frequency lasers now cover wavelengths from 375 to 3000 nm. Spectral gaps and the deep UV regime down to 200 nm are closed by our frequency converted lasers (NLO series). Our industrial diode lasers combine first class diode technology and rock-solid opto-mechanical engineering, completed by convenient computer-control and intelligent protection measures - with record diode laser power at e.g. 405, 488 or 640 nm.

Browse all Toptica products here.

TOPTICA is the world leader in diode laser and ultrafast fiber technology for industrial and scientific markets. Their products and capabilities also extend into optical data storage test and reference technology, biophotonics, microscopy, flow cytometry and THz generation.

Ultrafast fs and ps Fiber Lasers from Toptica

Next generation ultrafast fiber lasers for research and industry

 Toptica's growing range of next-generation ultrafast fiber lasers encompasses a broad selection of output power, wavelength range and timescale regimes. Click "read more" to see detailed matrix of available models.

Ultrafast Fiber Lasers

OEM-type

• Grating-stabilized diode lasers
• Littrow design
• DFB diodes
• Broadest wavelength coverage worldwide
• Narrow linewidth

TOPTICA introduced its first tunable diode laser systems in 1995. Ever since, we have been dedicated to stay ahead in terms of power, wavelength coverage and variety. We scan the market for available laser diodes and cooperate with numerous manufacturers to supply customized new wavelengths and powers. At present our laser diodes cover the range from 373 to 3000 nm with only few gaps and more wavelengths are continuously being added. In addition, well-equipped testing facilities for diode characterization and lifetime measurements ensure accurate specifications, reliable laser operation and constant high quality.

• Single-frequency laser with distributed feedback diode
• Any wavelength between 760 nm .. 2880 nm available
• Output power up to 150 mW
• Largest mode-hop free tuning range: Up to 1400 GHz (4 nm)
• Linewidth typ. 0.5 .. 4 MHz, coherence length 25 .. 200 m
• Reliable operation even in harsh environments
• Options: High-frequency modulation, optical isolation, fiber output

Distributed feedback (DFB) lasers offer wide frequency tuning and high output power in a compact, rugged setup. The frequency selective element – a Bragg grating – is integrated into the active section of the semiconductor and ensures single-frequency operation without any bulk optics. A wide variety of DFB diodes is available from stock; custom wavelengths can be provided even in low quantities.

The DL pro is the ultimate tunable diode laser. Its revolutionary mechanical design allows both easy operation and extreme stability at the same time. The underlying Littrow geometry allows for highest output powers, and optimum mode-hop free tuning is realized with a perfectly positioned virtual pivot point for the grating movement.

In the past, the output of semiconductor lasers was limited and insufficient for a variety of applications. The facets of single-mode laser diodes (typically 1 x 3 ìm) suffer optical damage at high power levels, whereas with larger facets the desired spatial mode properties cannot be maintained. Powerful tunable CW light could thus only be generated with vast solid-state lasers or dye ring laser systems alongside with expensive pump sources.

TOPTICA managed to overcome these limitations with the development of the tapered amplifier TA 100. This laser system, introduced in 1998, offers not only high power, but also excellent beam quality and an extremely narrow linewidth. Researchers further benefit from convenient tunability, lowest operational costs and long lifetimes.

• SHG, FHG, SFG
• Deep UV, blue, green, yellow...
• All solid state laser systems
• CW, single-frequency output

Impressive though the success story of semiconductor lasers has been, there are still several spectral "gaps", wavelengths that cannot be directly accessed with laser diodes. However, nonlinear frequency conversion techniques can be employed to generate tunable laser radiation in the UV, blue and green spectral range. TOPTICA offers state-of-the-art laser systems based on second harmonic generation (SHG), sum frequency generation (SFG) and fourth harmonic generation (FHG).

• Frequency doubling of Ti:Sapphire, dye, gas, fiber and diode lasers
• Compact, stand-alone bow-tie cavity
• pro technology for highest mechanical and thermal stability
• Highest cw conversion rates
• Near TEM00 beam profile
• Mode matching and beam shaping optics integrated
• Optional fiber coupling of input and/or output beam

The SHG pro is the device of choice if existing lasers are to be frequency doubled. Designed in TOPTICA’s pro technology, it unites highly stable performance and convenient operation. Mirror and crystal holders can be adjusted without opening the resonator cover. A wide range of non-linear crystals covers SHG wavelengths from 205 to 800 nm.  TOPTICA offers competent support for adapting the unit to customer requirements.