Applications

  • OPA pumping
  • 2D IR spectroscopy
  • Ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy
  • Nonlinear optics
  • Four wave mixing spectroscopy
  • Ultrafast micromachining on a wide variety of materials

Specifications

Output Characteristics

  Solstice APX
Pulse Width2,3 <35 fs–<120 fs
Repetition Rate4 1 kHz 5 kHz 10 kHz
Average Power
Ascend 60 >7.0 W >8.0 W >7.0 W
Ascend 40 >5.0 W >6.0 W >5.0 W
Pulse Energy
Ascend 60 >7.0 mJ >1.6 mJ >0.7 mJ
Ascend 40 >5.0 mJ >1.2 mJ >0.5 mJ
Pre-Pulse Contrast Ratio5 1000:1
Post-Pulse Contrast Ratio6 100:1
Operating Temperature Range ±5°C
Energy Stability <0.4% rms over 24 hours
Beam Pointing Stability <4 µrad (rms)
Wavelength8,9 780–820 nm9
Spatial Mode TEM00 (M2 <1.20, both axes)
Beam Diameter (1/e²) 10-11 mm (nominal)
Polarization Linear, Horizontal

Oscillator Output Options

  • Sol-Seed-50 >250 mW at 35 fs >500 mW at 100 fs11
  • Sol-Seed-100 >500 mW at 35 fs >1 W at 100 fs12
  • Mai Tai® HP Seeding >2 W at 100 fs11

Footnotes:

  1. Due to our continuous product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice.
  2. A Gaussian pulse shape (0.7 deconvolution factor) is used to determine pulse width (FWHM) from autocorrelation signal as measured with a Newport PulseScout® autocorrelator.
  3. Pulse width must be specified at time of purchase.
  4. The desired optimum repetition rate can be specified at the time of purchase or additonal optics sets can be used to reconfigure the amplifier. Any system can be operated at reduced repetition rates through internal divide-down electronics.
  5. Defined as the ratio between peak intensity of output pulse to peak intensity of any pre-pulse that occurs >1 ns before the output pulse.
  6. Defined as the ratio between peak intensity of output pulse to peak intensity of any post-pulse that occurs >1 ns after the output pulse.
  7. At constant temperature. Variable temperature specification <20 µrad/°C, peak-to-peak.
  8. For wavelength extension through SHG, THG, FHG or OPA, please contact Spectra-Physics.
  9. Performance specifications apply at peak of gain curve. Tuning range for <35 fs version: 795–805 nm.
  10. The Solstice APX is a Class IV – High-Power Laser, whose beam is, by definition, a safety and fire hazard. Take precautions to prevent exposure to direct and reflected beams. Diffuse as well as specular reflections can cause severe skin or eye damage.
  11. Allows simultaneous output with Amplifier operation
  12. Amplifier cannot be run while Sol-Seed-100 output is active

Features

Overview

The Spectra-Physics® Solstice APX laser system is our next-generation femtosecond ultrafast amplifier. Engineered to rigorous industrial standards, the Solstice APX exhibits exceptional beam pointing stability, excellent pulse-to-pulse energy stability, and enhanced long-term power stability and beam quality.

Unsurpassed Stability

Solstice APX amplifiers incorporate advanced opto-mechanics, industry-proven pump and seed lasers, and a user-friendly interface to deliver a hands-free ultrafast light source with the performance required for demanding applications.

Solstice APX amplifiers maintain stable operation across a 10°C ambient temperature window by employing advanced opto-mechanics and temperaturestabilized modules.

Solstice APX amplifiers feature a motorized compressor stage, enabling fine-tuned compression compensation for optimal OPA pumping.

Exceptional Performance

Solstice APX systems deliver >7 W at 1 kHz, >8 W at 5 kHz, and >7 W at 10 kHz with pulse width configurations ranging from <35 fs to <120 fs. These high energy outputs, exceptional beam quality, and unrivaled stability make the Solstice APX ideal for a range of advanced applications.

Compatible Power Sensors

To verify and analyze the output power of your Solstice Ace laser, we recommend the Ophir 30A-BB-18 (7Z02692) thermal power sensor and Centauri laser power meter.  Additional information on this laser measurement equipment can be found on the ophiropt.com website.  Other Ophir sensors and meters may also be suitable for the Solstice Ace, depending on application. Ophir also works with laser system developers to achieve embedded beam diagnostics to monitor system performance as an OEM solution.

Resources

Literature

2D Product Drawings

Technical Articles