Sacher Lasertechnik TEC-500 User Manual

Technical Documentation
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Sacher Lasertechnik GmbH Tel.: +49 6421 305-0 Sacher Lasertechnik, LLC Tel.: 1-714-670-7605
Rudolf Breitscheid Str. 1-5 Fax: +49 6421 305-299 5765 Equador Way Fax: 1-714-670-7662
D-35037 Marburg, Germany Email: contact@sacher.de Buena Park, CA 90620, USA Email: sales@sacher-laser.com
Alignment Procedure for Littman/Metcalf (TEC-500)
Laser Cavities
1 Security Precautions ................................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Radiation Protection ............................................................................................................ 2
1.2 ESD Protection .................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Protection of Optical Elements ............................................................................................ 2
1.4 Identification of Each Element within the Laser Head........................................................ 3
2 Collimation of the Laser Diode ............................................................................................... 5
2.1 Laser Diode Beam Propagation ........................................................................................... 5
2.2 Determining the Status of the Laser Collimation ................................................................ 6
2.3 Adjustment of the Laser Collimation .................................................................................. 7
3 Cavity Alignment ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Pre-Adjustment of the Reflection Prism .............................................................................. 8
3.2 Minimizing the Laser Threshold ....................................................................................... 10
4 Mode-Hop Free Tuning .......................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Principles of Mode-Hop Free Tuning................................................................................ 12
4.2 Monitoring the Tuning Performance via Fabry Perot Interferometer ............................... 12
4.3 Monitoring the Tuning Performance via Power Monitoring ............................................. 12
4.4 Monitoring the Tuning Performance via Wavemeter ........................................................ 14
4.5 Optimizing the Tuning Performance ................................................................................. 14
5 Summary .................................................................................................................................. 16
Thank you for ordering a laser system with Sacher Lasertechnik. The provided alignment
procedure will enable you to achieve the best performance with the laser system.

Sacher Lasertechnik TEC-500 Specifications

General

Brand	Sacher Lasertechnik
Model	TEC-500
Category	Measuring Instruments
Language	English

Summary

Security Precautions

Radiation Protection

Ensures adequate protection against laser radiation, requiring protective eyewear.

ESD Protection

Protects sensitive laser diodes from damage caused by electro-static discharge.

Protection of Optical Elements

Warns against touching optical surfaces to prevent irreversible damage from fingerprints.

Identification of Laser Head Elements

Identify and compare laser head elements with the operation manual for proper function.

Laser Diode Collimation

Laser Diode Beam Propagation

Explains laser diode construction, active area, and astigmatism affecting beam propagation.

Determining Laser Collimation Status

Details how to check laser collimation status, considering fast and slow axis divergence.

Adjusting Laser Collimation

Guides adjustment of the laser collimation using a fine adjustment screw.

Cavity Alignment Procedure

Pre-Adjustment of Reflection Prism

Steps for preparing the prism arm for cavity alignment, requiring tools like a beam viewer.

Minimizing Laser Threshold

Explains how to minimize laser threshold current for optimal performance.

Mode-Hop Free Tuning

Principles of Mode-Hop Free Tuning

Explains synchronization of grating and cavity tuning by adjusting cavity length.

Monitoring Tuning via Fabry Perot Interferometer

Method to monitor mode-hop free tuning using a Fabry Perot interferometer, cautioning optical feedback.

Monitoring Tuning via Power Monitoring

Method to monitor mode-hop free tuning by observing laser power vs. piezo actuator voltage.

Monitoring Tuning via Wavemeter

Method to monitor mode-hop free tuning using a wavemeter, requiring an optical isolator.

Optimizing Tuning Performance

Steps to optimize mode-hop free tuning by adjusting cavity alignment and length.

Summary and Support