High efficiency (2x standard) for high modulation depth
Visible and IR wavelengths to 2 GHz
Easy optical alignment
Please specify the operating frequency when ordering
We are excited to introduce this innovative new line of electro-optic modulators. These new phase modulators incorporate a patent-pending design to achieve twice the efficiency over our popular standard designs. With the new KTP versions, we\'ve increased the damage thresholds by more than five times that of our LiNbO3 modulators. With low insertion losses, efficient phase modulation and extremely low unwanted amplitude modulation, this new line of phase modulators is ideal for a wide variety of demanding applications. And, using them is easy: simply pass the beam through pre-aligned mechanical apertures for the optimal optical performance. The Model 3363 resonant-modulator drivers can be used to drive these modulators.
Atom trapping and cooling
Laser-frequency stabilization and locking
High-resolution spectroscopy
Laser-guide star systems for astronomy
Maximizing the power transfer from a driver to an electro-optic crystal is the key to making efficient resonant modulators. For resonant bulk modulators this occurs only over a specific frequency range—when it is driven on or near its resonant frequency. We test the electrical performance of each bulk resonant modulator to ensure that the modulator is resonant at the specified frequency.
In addition, our test procedure consists of measuring the modulator’s reflected power and quality factor, Q, using a scalar network analyzer. (The Q is a measure of the sharpness of the resonant circuit’s response.) Typically on resonance our modulators absorb more than 96% of the incident RF power. This is equivalent to a return loss of greater than 14 dB which is important for high modulation efficiency. In addition, with less than 4% of the incident RF power back-reflected, damage to the RF driver is prevented.
Finally, we also test for the presence of acoustic vibrations, or piezo resonances. These piezo resonances occur primarily in the 1 to 20 MHz frequency range and can lead to unwanted amplitude modulation and beam deflection. If a piezo resonance is detected during testing, we can shift the modulator resonant frequency to minimize unwanted piezo effects.