Oscillator suits high-resolution spectroscopy applications.
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Press Release Summary:
Argos(TM) single-frequency, continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is capable of continuous tuning from 1.4-2 and 2.4-3.9 microns and linewidth of output has been measured as low as 60 kHz. It operates at room temperature and can produce simultaneous output at 2 wavelengths, with available power between 1-5 W over tuning range. Rugged, fiber-pumped, and compact unit features 5 x 6 x 14 in. OPO head with control unit of 10 x 19 x 19 in.
Original Press Release:
Aculight's Broadly Tunable Laser System Ideal for Diverse Spectroscopic Applications
Bothell, Wash., May 16, 2007 - Aculight Corporation, a leading developer of innovative laser technologies, has introduced Argos(TM), a single-frequency, continuous-wave
(CW) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) that provides multi-Watt, widely tunable,
near- to mid-infrared output. With the highest power and broadest mode-hop-free tuning range of any OPO on the market, Argos is facilitating applications such as photoacoustic and cavity ringdown spectroscopy for trace gas detection.
"We're excited to have the Argos in our growing product line," said Angus Henderson, Aculight principal scientist. "For users, the advantages they gain with Argos are twofold-the most significant is that no other system matches its output power and tuning range. This makes it an enabling technology for many high-resolution spectroscopy applications. The other advantage is that Argos is very robust.
We've shipped devices to customers in the U.S. and Europe and the units reach their destinations without requiring any re-alignment or expert installation."
Argos is a rugged, fiber-pumped, singly resonant OPO that provides rapid, continuous tuning from 1.4 to 2 microns and from 2.4 to 3.9 microns. It operates at room temperature and produces simultaneous output at two wavelengths, with available power between 1 and 5 Watts over the tuning range. The linewidth of the OPO output has been measured as low as 60 kHz. In tandem with the device's 60 GHz mode-hop-free rapid tuning range, this enables high-resolution spectroscopy in a wavelength region where alternate laser sources are unavailable. The unit is compact enough for use in facilities where space is at a premium-the OPO head measures just
5 x 6 x 14 inches with a control unit of 10 x 19 x 19 inches.
Aculight developed Argos under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (Boulder, CO). The technology was originally developed as a tool to improve detection of impurities in semiconductor process gases. For instance, cavity ringdown spectroscopy is widely used to monitor for water vapor, a contaminant that causes substantial losses in semiconductor yield. Until now, diode lasers emitting around 1.3 microns have been used to detect the vapor; the Argos prototype will enable targeting of stronger absorption lines in the vicinity of 2.7 microns for water molecule detection. Said Henderson, "Using Argos' mid-infrared wavelength, you can potentially detect with around 10 times the sensitivity compared with the use of near infrared. This could mean a significant improvement in the semiconductor manufacturing process."
Researchers at Rice University (Houston, TX) also used the Argos in a photoacoustic spectroscopy demonstration to detect ammonia with ultra-high sensitivity. The researchers aim ultimately to use the technique to help develop compact, portable, highly selective sensing instruments for applications ranging from urban, industrial and rural emission monitoring to biomedical and clinical diagnostics. Current technologies for these types of sensing include mass spectroscopy with gas chromatography and Fourier transformation interferometry. While both methods are highly sensitive, they have drawbacks in unit size, portability, and affordability, among others.
Working with leading researchers has helped Aculight tailor Argos for infrared spectroscopy, however, the system is also employed by defense, commercial and university customers for a wide range of applications. "Argos is an important product for Aculight," said Henderson. "It's a great example of the value we provide customers at every level, from expert advice and pioneering research to solid prototyping and flexible manufacturing."
Aculight will demonstrate Argos at the upcoming 38th annual meeting of the Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (DAMOP) from June 5-9, 2007, in Calgary, Canada. They'll also feature it at the 62nd Ohio State University International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy scheduled for June 18-22, 2007, in Columbus, Ohio, and at the 6th International Conference on Tunable Diode Laser Spectroscopy
(TDLS) from July 9-13, 2007, in Reims, France.
About Aculight
Founded in 1993, Aculight is focused on being the leader in providing quality, innovative and cost-effective laser system solutions for our customers' needs in national defense, aerospace and medical applications.
For more information about Aculight, please contact
Dr. Andrew Brown, director of business development, at (425) 482-1100 or visit www.aculight.com.
