MINISYSTEM Manual Version 1.5
Page 14
Figure 11 Laser Optical Assembly
1.
The resonator is a diode pumped laser with an output wavelength of 1064 nm and
nonlinear module to perform harmonic generation to produce a few key wavelengths.
Resonator mirrors are hard-mounted to the machined resonator bench, which results in an
extremely stiff, rugged resonator which is much less sensitive to misalignment then
standard laser resonators. The output of the laser enters the integral nonlinear module.
Harmonic generation is performed using non-linear crystal(s). The crystal temperature is
tightly regulated by mounting them inside a temperature controlled oven assembly. The
laser head has a nonlinear optic (NLO) crystal mounted inside a nonlinear module. The
output is collinear, with all wavelengths exiting the same aperture.
2.
The next component in the beam path is the attenuator. The attenuator is used to control
the amount of energy exiting the payload. The attenuator is designed with a
waveplate/polarizer to provide motorized attenuation of the laser beams from 0-100% of
the full energy at the given wavelength. The attenuator utilizes high precision encoders to
provide closed-loop motor control.
3.
The laser beam leaves the laser and is reflected off of the Fold Mirror to the Wavelength
Selector. The Wavelength Selector contains filters to separate the beam into discrete
wavelengths and allow the selection of High or Low energy modes.
4.
The beam expander follows the wavelength selector. The beam expander enlarges the
laser beam for the proper illumination of the XY Theta aperture.
5.
The laser beam is then offset by the parallel mirror assembly so that it is nominally
centered on the XY (or XY Theta) Aperture.
6.
The next component in the beam path is the optional Polarization Rotator. This
module can rotate the output polarization of the system ± 90 degrees from a vertical or
horizontal input polarization.
