Electro-Optic Q-Switches/Pockels Cells

Pockels Cells from Inrad

Electro-optical Pockels cells provide fast switching of the polarisation direction of a beam of light. Applications include Q-switching of a laser cavity, coupling light into - or out of - an ultrafast regenerative amplifier, and for light intensity modulation (when combined with a pair of polarisers). Pro-Lite offers Inrad Pockels cells based upon crystals of KD*P, LiNbO3 and BBO, plus associated drivers, gimbal mounts and cells. The choice of crystal type is primarily determined by the operating wavelength. Other factors to consider are the damage threshold, average power handling ability, contrast ratio, extinction ratio and repetition rate. Inrad also produces crystals (see: Crystal Optics). Pockels cells are characterised by a fast response, since the Pockels effect is an electrical phenomonon and are much faster than acousto-optic modulators.

Accessories & Cells

Cells and other accessories for Inrad Pockels cells, including autotracker cells, beam combiners. gimbal mounts, KDP cells, standard one-inch diameter cells and ultrafast crystal mounts.

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BBO Pockels Cells

BBO can be useful from the UV out to about 2µm. BBO offers higher average power handling abilities that either KD*P or LiNbO3, although it has a relatively low electro-optic coefficient. As a result, drive voltages are higher for BBO Q-switches, although longer crystals counter this effect. Thinner crystals, for which the clear aperture is smaller, also tend to require a lower voltage.

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KD*P Pockels Cells

KD*P is typically used for Q-switching of lasers from the UV to about 1.1µm, beyond which absorption limits its use.

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LiNbO3 Pockels Cells

LiNbO3 is used at 1064nm and longer wavelengths. With the electric field applied in a direction orthogonal to that of the propogation of the light, a LiNbO3 Pockels cell can be configured to operate at a lower voltage that KD*P at 1064nm by selecting the thickness and length of the crystal. LiNbO3 is useful at wavelengths up to 4.0µm, although the half wave voltage does increase at the longer wavelengths.

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Pockels Cell Drivers

Bench-top drivers are available for Inrad Pockels cells as well as board-level versions for OEM use. Rapid pulse drivers are also available for Q-switch and ultrafast regenerative amplifier applications.

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