Laser Characterization
Ocean Optics offers high-resolution, small-footprint spectrometers and accessories that are ideal for laser characterization measurements such as determination of tunable laser wavelength, laser bandwidth and laser line width. Applications include laser-induced fluorescence measurements, laser absorption spectroscopy and cavity ring-down spectroscopy.
Our modular spectrometers can be configured for sub-nanometer optical resolution (FWHM) in the UV-VIS (200-1100 nm) and high resolution in the NIR (800-2500 nm), with fast response times and triggering functions for synchronizing laser events to spectral acquisition. Standard and high-volume OEM options are possible.
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Example Setup: HR4000 Spectrometer
Overview
The HR4000 High-resolution Spectrometer is ideal for measuring the spectral characteristics and intensity of continuous-wave and pulsed lasers. For high-power lasers, an integrating sphere or cosine corrector attenuates the light to avoid saturating the CCD detector array. OceanView software captures peak parameters and other spectral information.
Spectrometer
The HR4000 Spectrometer uses our “HR” Optical Bench, which is designed to yield high optical resolution in a compact optical bench, making it suitable for resolving fine spectral features.
For laser characterization, we recommend a grating with a high groove density. A good option is the H6 1200 mm-1 grating set to a 750-925 nm wavelength range, complemented in the optical bench with a 5 µm slit as the entrance aperture. This configuration provides ~0.12 nm resolution (FWHM). For better resolution consider an 1800 mm-1 or 2400 mm-1 grating.
Additional spectrometer options for high-resolution measurements include the HR2000+, which has slightly faster integration time than the HR4000; and the STS microspectrometer, a very small-footprint but highly reproducible unit that is excellent for large-volume customization projects.
Sampling Optics
There are several possible sampling setups for your laser measurement: a CC-3-UV cosine corrector with an optical fiber; the FOIS-1 integrating sphere with a fiber; or fiber assembly coupled to the laser. Optical posts hold the optical fixtures in place.
Laser Analysis System Components
| HR4000 high-resolution spectrometer | We recommend configuring the spectrometer with Grating #6 set for 750-925 nm, with a 5 µm slit as the entrance aperture |
| FOIS-1 | Fiber optic integrating sphere for collecting the signal |
| OPM series Optical Post Mounts | Optical post mounts (multiple options available) for holding the integrating sphere and other components |
| QP400-2-VIS-NIR | Premium-grade patch cord assembly, 2 m length, 400 µm diameter |
| OceanView | Spectrometer operating software |
Example Setup: NIR Laser Analysis
Overview
NIRQuest series spectrometers are ideal for measuring the spectral characteristics and intensity of continuous-wave and pulsed lasers. For high-power lasers, an integrating sphere or cosine corrector attenuates the light to avoid saturating the detector array. OceanView software captures peak parameters and other spectral information.
Spectrometer
The NIRQuest256-2.5 is a 256-element InGasAs-array spectrometer with response from ~900-2500 nm. When configured with Grating NIR10 (300 mm-1 grating with 1200 nm blaze wavelength) and a 10 µm slit, the system will provide optical resolution performance of <2.0 nm (FWHM). Your spectral range will be somewhat narrower than with a standard NIRQuest setup, although for laser measurements that should not be a major concern.
Also, if your laser wavelength of interest is in the shortwave NIR range of ~800-1100 nm, our HR series high-resolution linear CCD array spectrometers are a good option.
Sampling Optics
There are several possible sampling setups for your laser measurement: a CC-3-UV cosine corrector with an optical fiber; the FOIS-1 integrating sphere with a fiber; or fiber assembly coupled to the laser. Optical posts hold the optical fixtures in place.
Laser Analysis System Components
| NIRQuest256-2.5 | We recommend configuring the spectrometer with Grating NIR10 set for your wavelength range of interest, with a 10 µm slit as the entrance aperture. |
| FOIS-1 | Fiber optic integrating sphere for collecting the signal |
| OPM series Optical Post Mounts | Optical post mounts (multiple options available) for holding the integrating sphere and other components |
| QP400-2-VIS-NIR | Premium-grade patch cord assembly, 2 m length, 400 µm diameter. An alternative fiber option is fluoride, which has better response at higher wavelengths. |
| OceanView | Spectrometer operating software |
High-resolution near-IR spectrum of thulium laser measured with a NIRQuest spectrometer.
High-resolution near-IR spectrum of thulium laser measured with a NIRQuest spectrometer.
