The new Opera Solo from Coherent is the world's first fully integrated OPA (optical parametric amplifier), providing simple access to tunable ultrafast pulses from the UV through the mid-IR
Until now, commercial OPAs used externally mounted modular options, such as wavelength mixing crystals and dichroic separation optics, to extend the tuning range.
The new Opera Solo, however, is a turnkey solution.
Everything from the pump beam conditioning optics through the final harmonic separation optics is mounted on a single support structure within the integrated Opera Solo head.
Also, wavelength extension options are contained on computer-controlled, motorised mounts.
This integrated construction provides two key benefits for researchers, particularly when Opera Solo is a shared resource among non-expert laser users.
First, the rugged, integrated approach delivers superior short-term and long-term stability, in terms of pulse energy and pulse wavelength characteristics.
Second, end users can easily and rapidly switch between different wavelength regimes without opening the cover or tweaking the unit manually.
Opera Solo is used with kilohertz ultrafast amplifiers based on Ti:Sapphire, such as the Coherent Legend and Libra.
Applications include vibrational spectroscopy, and in pump-probe experiments to study molecular dynamics, atmospheric sensing and photochemistry.
