G H Electro-Optics EQ Photonics Laser + Optoelektronik User Guide
- June 1, 2024
- G H
Table of Contents
G H Electro-Optics EQ Photonics Laser + Optoelektronik User Guide
G&H: A PHOTONICS SPECIALIST
G&H solves complex challenges for our customers by developing innovative
photonics solutions that enhance performance, reliability, and efficiency. We
are an award-winning name in the photonics industry with global reach and an
established heritage dating back 75 years.
Aerospace & Defens
Industrial & Telecom
Emerging applications increasingly employ photonics as the enabler. Our
customers require specialized, reliable and highperformance solutions. G&H
pushes the boundaries in these key areas and provides differentiating product
solutions. We maintain close and long-lasting relationships with our customers
G&H is a photonics technology business headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with operations in the USA and Europe.
A BETTER WORLD WITH PHOTONICS.
BROAD GLOBAL EXPERTISE
Life Sciences
Manufacturing Locations
AO: Acousto-optics
EO: Electro-optics
FO : Fiber optics
PO+S : Precision optics and systems
MD: Medical devices
HQ: Headquarters
OSIH: Optical Systems Innovation Hub
CM: Contract manufacturing Sales offices.
Sales offices
Ilminster, UK
49,679 ft² 4,615m²
Fremont, USA
40,000 ft² 3,716 m²
Keene, USA
12,800 ft² 1,189 m²
Cleveland, USA
80,000 ft² 7,432 m²
Rochester, USA
43,226 ft² 4,015 m²
Moorpark, USA
50,000 ft² 4,645 m²
Plymouth, UK
22,000 ft² 2,043 m
Torquay, UK
41,000 ft² 3,850 m²
St. Asaph, UK
9,149 ft² 850 m²
Ashford, UK
30,000 ft² 2,787 m
G&H employs over 1,000 skilled employees across 10 manufacturing and design facilities. We also have 3 sales offices and a contract manufacturing partner in Thailand.
MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES
G &H ELECTRO-OPTICS
Established in 1973, G&H’s Cleveland facility is dedicated to electro-optic
device manufacturing and crystal growth. We offer an extensive range of
electro-optic solutions covering applications spanning the spectrum from the
ultraviolet to the infrared. With 50 years of expertise in device design and
internal crystal growth, we possess the unique qualifications to meet our
customers’ Pockels cell requirements effectively.
CONTACT US
Ilminster, UK
Dowlish Ford
Ilminster, UK
TA19 0PF
+44 1460 256400
Cleveland, US
676 Alpha Drive
Highland Heights, OH
44143 +1 216 486 6100
Electro-optics
G &H Germany
Germanenstraße 3
Kaufering, Germany
86916 +49 8191 9797372
Sales office
G &H France
4 rue René Razel
Saclay, France
91400
+33 1 69 20 34 32
Sales office
G &H Japan
Level 4, 3-2-3 Sakae
Nagoya, Japan
460-0008
+81 90 5615 2610
Sales office
POCKELS CELLS
Reliable polarization control for high power and high repetition rates Pockels
cells are used in a variety of laser modulation applications benefitting from
rapid/dynamic polarization control, Q-switching, light intensity control,
intensity modulation,
dynamic waveplates, dynamic coupling of light in and out of optical systems
and light switching.
Leveraging proprietary crystal growth and fabrication techniques, along with
extensive expertise in electro-optic device design, we produce superior
longitudinal and transverse electrode configuration Pockels cells in Lithium
Niobate (LiNbO₃), β-barium borate (BBO), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and
potassium dideuterium phosphate (KD*P). The selection of material and design
for each application is influenced by factors such as wavelength, average and
peak power, repetition rate, internal contrast ratio, voltage contrast ratio,
beam size, and half-wave voltage, ensuring optimal performance.
Our Pockels cells exhibit market leading intrinsic and voltage contrast
ratios, up to and exceeding 15000:1 for best performance and long, field-
proven lifetime for lowest cost of ownership
KD*P Pockels cells: IMPACT, CENTAUR, QX & TX series*
We offer small and large aperture KDP Pockels cells, frequently used for
applications under 10 kHz repetition rate. The popular, compact Impact series
delivers reliable performance at high contrast ratios for OEM integration,
while the Centaur series packages the same performance in a larger footprint
as a drop-in replacement for the widely deployed QX series. Devices in the
large aperture TX series are designed for use as optical isolators, protecting
beam lines in ultrahigh power laser systems.
Our dedicated small and large crystal growth tanks produce KDP boules with
deuterated levels of ordinary, 70%, 95%, and 99%. These boules are harvested
and processed into Pockels cell crystals as well as frequency converters,
including those used for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) at the National
Ignition Facility (NIF).
BBO Pockels cells: CHIRON series**
We recommend BBO Pockels cells for applications over 10 W average power and
for repetition rates above 10 kHz. Our low-loss designs employ transverse
electric field geometry with dual crystals to minimize drive voltage. We also
offer custom options include single crystal cells, 3- crystal cells requiring
50% less voltage, and cells with water-cooled apertures for high average power
operation. Our high-performance model, the Chiron series, offers superlative
performance with respect to extended exposure (24 hours) and at high
repetition rate (>1 MHz) while maintaining a high contrast ratio.
CdTe Pockels cells: IRX series
Mid-infrared Q-switching applications use CdTe for wavelengths up to 12 µm and
repetition rates up to 100 kHz. Our water-cooled designs feature packaging
with reduced ambient light sensitivity to allow power handling greater than 10
W and are available with application specific anti-reflection (AR) coatings.
Optional patented designs for environmental protection and high average power
are available.
Lithium niobate Pockels cells: 7100 series
We grow and polish high quality LiNbO₃ (LN) crystals in-house for low
wavefront distortion and apply electrodes for use in transverse mode (i.e.,
electric field perpendicular to the optic or zaxis) electro-optic devices. Our
LN crystals offer high extinction ratio, very low transmission loss, low
switching voltage and temperature stability throughout a wide temperature
range. High-performance antireflective (AR) coatings are applied to each face,
reducing loss to ≤0.2% per surface while withstanding high optical power (500
MW/cm2 upon request).
Proprietary temperature-stable versions: TS, XTS series
We have developed proprietary temperature-stable (TS and XTS) versions of our
Q-switch products to allow operation over a wide range of temperatures while
maintaining excellent contrast ratio. Typical LiNbO₃ Q-switches suffer from
pyro-electric charge buildup at low temperatures, leading to premature lasing.
G&H Engineers have solved this problem with a proprietary technique that
increase the conductivity of our lithium niobate crystal faces. This
dissipates unwanted charge preventing pyro-electric charge buildup. This
unique technology enables critical applications in, for example, defense and
aerospace.
Application focus
G&H’s Lithium Niobate Q-Switches are employed in rangefinders and target
designators.
| Wavelength (nm)| Damage threshold| Size (mm)| Extinction ratio| Wavefront
distortion| Product code
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
7100-2| 1064| 200 MW/cm²| 9x9x25| ≥20:1 @ 633nm| ≤λ/8 @ 633nm| 99-48205-01
7100-4| 1064| 300 MW/cm²| 7.4×7.4×21| ≥20:1 @ 633nm| ≤λ/8 @ 633nm| 99-48202-01
7100-11A| 1064| 300 MW/cm²| 9x9x25| ≥20:1 @ 633nm| ≤λ/8 @ 633nm| 97-00970-03
7100-4 TS| 1064| 300 MW/cm²| 7.2×7.4×21| ≥20:1 @ 633nm| ≤λ/8 @ 633nm|
99-48302-12
7100-01 XTS| 1064| 300 MW/cm²| 9x9x25| ≥20:1 @ 633nm| ≤λ/8 @ 633nm|
97-00970-13
7100-11| 1064| 500 MW/cm²| 9x9x25| ≥20:1 @ 633nm| ≤λ/8 @ 633nm| 97-00970-10
Application focus
G&H’s Pockels Cells find applications in amplifiers, CO2 lasers, laser fusion,
materials processing, medical and aesthetic laser systems, metal annealing,
micro machining, optical switching, petawatt lasers, and regenerative
amplifiers
| Wavelength| Voltage contrast ratio| Aperture (mm)| Optical material|
Compatible G&H drivers| Product code
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Impact series| 300-1300nm| >2000:1 @1064nm| 8-13| KDP| Q- / R-Drive™| IMP xxx
Centaur series| 300-1300nm| >2000:1 @1064nm| 8-25| KDP| Q- / R-Drive™| CQX
xxx
QX series| 300-1300nm| Varies| 9.25-19.5| KDP| Q- / R-Drive™| QX xxx
TX series| 300-1300nm| Varies| 19.5-99| KDP| HVR-Drive/Sys| TX xxx
Chiron series| 300-1600nm| >500:1 @1064nm| 3.25-7| BBO| R-Drive™| TA xxx
IRX series| 3-12µm| >500:1 @10.6µm| 3-7, 4×10| CdTe| HVR-Drive/Sys| IRX xxx
POCKELS CELL DRIVERS
Robust, compact drivers for light switching applications
Complementing our comprehensive range of Pockels cells, the G&H series of
Pockels cell drivers are designed to enhance performance and durability.
Utilizing high-quality components, these drivers maximize lifetime, safety,
and reliability, catering to the requirements of commercial, military, and
scientific laser systems. Our product offerings include the Q-DRIVE™ series
drivers for Q-switching applications, as well as the R-DRIVE™ series drivers
designed for pulse picking and regenerative amplifiers.
Q-Drive™ for q-switched lasers
The Q-Drive™ series offers a fast rise-time for KD*P Pockels cells used in
Q-switched lasers with kilohertz repetition rates. Designed for high noise
immunity and optimum signal integrity, it can be placed close to the Pockels
cell to minimize the output pulse rise time. A remote control connector allows
convenient single-point access to all driver functions, remote high voltage
control, and signal monitoring.
The lab (benchtop) configuration has front-panel controls for high voltage set
point and power while the OEM model offers similar functionality in a fully
contained package on a compact circuit board. Both Q-Drive™ configurations
provide a fast rise time of 4-7 ns.
Q-Drive™ double pulse (single or dual trigger)
The Q-Drive™ double pulse driver, available as either a single or dual input
trigger version, produces a double-pulse waveform that holds off lasing during
flash lamp operation and pulses the Pockels cell at the peak (when laser
output is at maximum) then turns the Pockels cell off again to prevent
additional laser pulses from being emitted. This results in less strain on the
Pockels cell because the voltage is not always on, reduces parasitic emissions
from the cavity (extraneous laser emission) and permits synchronization of the
Pockels cell to the flash lamp to extract more energy in some cases.
R-Drive™ for regenerative amplifiers
The compact, cost-effective R-Drive™ series is designed specifically for use
with BBO Pockels cells at quarter-wave voltage but may also be used with other
Pockels cells at quarter-wave or half-wave voltage. Offering both a fast rise
and fall time, it allows laser pulses to be injected into or coupled out of an
amplifier cavity quickly. Ideal for pulse selection and ultrafast laser
regenerative amplifier designs up to 200 kHz, it can be incorporated into new
systems or retrofitted as an upgrade.
LVR-Drive
The LVR-Drive is a compact OEM Pockels cell driver for pulse selection and
regenerative amplifiers, offering repetition rates up to 200 kHz and voltage
up to2.5 kV. It can also be furnished in a rack-mounted front-panel controlled
system.
MVR-Drive
The MVR-Drive, the newest member of the R-Drive™ series, is designed to switch
Pockels cells used for pulse management in high repetition rate ultrafast
laser regenerative amplifiers. The MVR-Drive can drive Pockels cells at
quarter-wave or half-wave voltages up to 4.8 kV and up to 1 MHz. The driver
produces a top-hat waveform with fast rising and falling edges and the 1 MHz
pulse rate can take advantage of the full capability of the Chiron series BBO
Pockels cells.
HVR-Drive
The HVR-Drive is an extension of the R-Drive™ product family, with voltage
capability up to 7.5 kV at repetition rates of up to 200 kHz. The fast rising
and falling edges of its top-hat waveform makes the HVR appropriate for use
with BBO Pockels cells operating at quarter-wave voltage in ultrafast
regenerative amplifiers, as well as with other Pockels cells at half-wave
voltage
Application focus
G&H’s Pockels Cells find applications in amplifiers, CO2 lasers, laser fusion,
materials
processing, medical and aesthetic laser systems, metal annealing, micro-
machining, optical
switching, petawatt lasers, and regenerative amplifiers.
Q-DRIVE™| Compatible Pockels cells| Rise / fall time (ns)| Voltage
output (kV)| Repetition rate| Applications| Product code
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
Benchtop| IMP, CQX, QX| 4-7| 1.5-4.5| 1-4.5 kHz| Lab q- switching| QD-Lab
OEM| IMP, CQX, QX| 4-7| 1.55-4.5| 1-4.5 kHz| OEM q-switching| QD-OEM
Double pulse| IMP, CQX, QX| <10 (fall)| 1.2-4.0| 0-50 Hz| Flash-lamp double-
pulse , medical Q- switching| QDP
R-DRIVE™| Compatible Pockels cells| Rise / fall time (ns)| Voltage
output (kV)| Repetition rate| Applications| Product code
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
LVR-Drive OEM| TA| 4-7| 0-2.5| 0-200 kHz| OEMregenerative amplifiers, pulse
selection| LVR-OEM
LVR-System| TA| 4-7| 0-2.5| 0-200 kHz| Lab / prototyping laser system| LVR-S
MVR-Drive| TA, IMP, CQX, QX, TX, IRX| 10-15| 0-3.2| 0-1 MHz0-500 kHz|
OEMregenerative amplifier| MVR-D
MVR-Drive| TA, IMP, CQX, QX, TX, IRX| 10-15| 0-7.5| 0-200 kHz| OEMregenerative
amplifier| HVR-D
MVR-Drive| TA, IMP, CQX, QX, TX, IRX| 10-15| 0-7.5| 0-200 kHz| Lab /
prototyping laser system| HVR-S
For more information, visit www.gandh.com/products
/electro-optics/pockels-cell-drivers |
References
- Optics and Photonics | G&H
- Acousto-Optic Deflectors | Spatial Control Of Optical Beams
- Pockels Cells Drivers | View The Range
- Pockels Cells | Browse The Range